Continuing learning
Raising the participation age from 2013
In 2013, all young people will be expected to stay in learning until they are 17. By 2015, all young people will be expected to stay in learning until they are 18.
Young people who started Year 9 in September 2010 will remain in some form of learning until they are 17. Young people who started Year 9 in September 2011 or after will remain in learning until they are 18.
This is the first time in 40 years that the education leaving age has changed. This does not just mean staying in school - young people will be able to choose the best route for their career plans, including:
- Full-time education at school or college
- Work-based learning, such as an Apprenticeship
- Part-time education or training for young people who are employed, self-employed or volunteering for more than 20 hours a week