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Deadline 1 September 2013

to go until our first cohort will continue in education or training until 17

The Education and Skills Bill has now received Royal Assent, becoming the Education and Skills Act and meaning that all young people will be required to continue in education or training post-16. This is a historic Act – increasing the minimum age at which a young person can leave learning for the first time since 1972.

The Education and Skills Act places a new requirement on all young people to participate in education or training until their 18th birthday but this does not necessarily mean staying in school. Young people will be able to choose how they participate, which could be in:

• Full-time education, such as in school or in college
• Work-based learning, such as an apprenticeship
• Part-time education or training, if they are employed, self-employed or volunteering for more than 20 hours a week

We are increasing the minimum age at which young people can leave learning in two stages, to 17 from 2013 and to 18 from 2015. The first cohort to benefit from these changes began Year 7 this September.

We believe that this change is essential to give every young person the best chance to achieve and succeed because:

• We know that continuing in learning for longer brings benefits for individuals, the economy and society;
• The Leitch Review highlighted the importance of improving workers’ skills in the UK, if businesses are to remain competitive internationally - young people without qualifications are going to find it increasingly difficult to gain and keep employment in future;
• Whilst participation is voluntary the most disadvantaged, disaffected and vulnerable young people are most likely to miss out; and
• Introducing compulsion will ensure the entire education system has to focus on the needs of those least likely at present to choose to participate

We will make a reality of our ambitions by putting the right provision and right support is in place, ensuring that:

• There is a suitable, worthwhile post-16 learning opportunity for every young person by 2013. At every level, wherever they are in England, young people will be able to choose something that suits their needs and interests - be it general qualifications or one of the new Diplomas; an Apprenticeship; the Foundation Learning Tier; or part time training alongside full time employment.
• All young people get the support they need to access these opportunities, whatever their circumstances – including good quality information, advice and guidance; financial support; and support for young people facing additional barriers.

Raising the participation age is about galvanising the system to raise aspirations and increase attainment so that young people develop the skills that will enable them to succeed in life - we want everyone to benefit from these advantages.

We produced a magazine, "Moving Up", aimed at the first cohort to be affected, and this is available online at teachernet. These young people will be the first to benefit from the range of 14-19 reforms, including an entitlement to an Apprenticeship place and the full range of Diploma lines as well as the expectation of staying in education or training to 17. The booklet explains the options that will be available to this year group as they progress through secondary school.

For further information, please refer to the press notice.