Leaving school

Raising Participation Age (RPA)

At the moment young people can leave full time education at the end of year 11. This is changing; from 2013 young people will be required to continue in education or training until the end of the school year in which they turn 17. In 2015, they will have to continue until their 18th birthday. Further information is available from the Department for Education.

Does this mean that you have to stay in school?

No, but you have to be working towards an approved qualification. This could include:

• Working for an employer and learning through an apprenticeship
• Full-time education at a 6th form school, college or training provider
• Working for an employer, self employment or volunteering for 20 hours or more a week alongside part-time education or training.

Further information

If you would like further information about the choices you have when leaving school, you can ask your Careers Co-ordinator in school or contact:

The National Careers Service Telephone 0800 100 900

which provides a range of information and advice to help you make decisions on learning, training and work opportunities.

Further information and advice is available from the iBrowse Rotherham website. You can use the online prospectus UCAS Progress to find out what opportunities are available in Rotherham and the surrounding area, think about the best choices. Your school will tell you when and how to apply.

Last update: 01/08/2012