Raising the Participation Age (RPA)
What does “Raising the Participation Age” mean?
In simplest terms Raising the Participation Age means that pupils who started secondary education:
- in September 2008 will continue until they are 17.
- in September 2009 or after this date, will continue until they are 18.
At age 16, young people will be able to choose to undertake:
- full-time education, such as that offered 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
But it is important to remember that the change in the participation age does not necessarily mean staying in school.
The work is being co-ordinated by a strong Steering Group that has representatives from Connexions Staffordshire, Staffordshire Local Authority, Staffordshire Partnership and Aimhigher. The Project Leader, Nicki Hamilton currently works on the project two days a week.
Regular visits to DfE in London ensure the trial remains on task and feedback is given to DfE to help shape national developments.
Overall, activities are taking place to develop and disseminate resources as quickly as possible to help share information and get this very important message to as many people, including in particular, pupils, parents, foster carers and Through Care teams, home educated and education otherwise, school staff and local authority and Connexions staff. Training and celebration events will also be held at relevant points throughout the trial, to help share evidence based practice and success stories.
In Staffordshire, 3 secondary and 3 primary schools were identified and asked to take part in the trial activities. These are:
- Cannock Chase High School (with Longford as the primary feeder trial school).
- Netherstowe High School (with Charnwood)
- De Ferrers High School (with Eton Park)
The key objectives that have been identified by the trial are:
- To work with Years 6,7,8 and their parents to help raise awareness of RPA.
- To work with this cohort on aspirations and motivation and ambition for their future career.
- To work with teachers and governors to help raise awareness of RPA.
- To ensure that information on RPA is clear, relevant and clear to all parties.
- To identify specific activities in order to complete learning objectives.
You can also download the following RPA Briefing Sheets:
