Raising the Participation Age

Raising the Participation Age (RPA) – Information for Parents.

What is RPA?

The Government has increased the age at which all young people are required to stay in some form of education or training. All students will have to continue in education or training until at least the end of the school year in which they turn 17.

RPA is not about raising the school leaving age. Young people will have a range of options for how they can participate, which could be through:

• Full-time education, such as school or college;
• An Apprenticeship; or
• Part-time education or training if they are employed, self-employed or volunteering for 20 hours or more a week.

Why has this changed?

This change has been created to give all young people the opportunity to develop skills and qualifications that will open doors to future employment, help them make the most of their potential, and earn more over their lifetime.

Evidence shows that achieving qualifications at this age can help to boost a young person’s prospects for life – for instance, young people with 2 or more A-Levels earn around 14% more than those without.

What does this mean for parents?

The legal requirement to participate will be on your son or daughter. This is because we know that, at 16, young people are starting to make – and take responsibility for – the decisions that affect their future.

However, we also know that your children will look to you for advice and support as they make these decisions and you will want to do all you can to support them to make the right decision for them as they choose between their education and training options.

We know that making choices about education and training can be a challenge, so, Cardinal Langley has a dedicated Careers Adviser who can help all students through this process.

Where can I find out more?

More information on RPA is available at: http://education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/youngpeople/participation/rpa

The National Careers Service website makes it easy for both adults and young people to access information and advice about education, training and work. The website is at: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk Young people and parents can speak to an appropriately qualified adviser from the NCS by contacting the helpline which is available from 8.00am to 10pm, seven days a week on 0800 100 900, or for text messages on 07766 413 219. Alternatively you can request an appointment with the school Careers Adviser or contact the school to discuss this with an appropriate member of staff.