The Education and Skills Act 2008 means that all young people will be required by law to continue in education or training to the end of the academic year in which they turn 17 from 2013 and until at least their 18th birthday from 2015.

The expectation is that all such education and or training will lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

Raising the Participation Age (RPA) to age 18 does not mean raising the school leaving age. Young people will not have to stay in school; they will be able to choose one of the following main routes open to them;

• Full time education eg. school, college or home tuition
• Work based learning eg. an Apprenticeship or
• Part time training alongside working or volunteering for over 20 hours per

	Provision of Post-16 Education and Training: Under the Apprenticeship, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009, local authorities assumed responsibility for commissioning suitable education and training for all 16-19 year olds from the academic year 2011/12.  More information.
	Contact Information Kim Wattie Diverse Curriculum Manager 01905 765396 kwattie@worcestershire.gov.uk