Warrington ranked second for 16-17 year olds in education or training

WARRINGTON is currently ranked second in the country with 98% of 16 and 17 year olds in education or training.
The council is now using this as a reminder to young people that they are required to continue in education or training until the end of the academic year when they turn 17.
From summer 2015 this will apply to young people until they turn 18. This is called ‘raising the participation age’ (RPA) and was introduced by the government in 2012.
The law does not necessarily mean staying in school – young people have a choice about how they continue in education or training post-16, which could be through:
• Full-time study in a school, college or with a training provider.
• Full-time work or volunteering combined with part-time education or training.
• An apprenticeship
Young people who completed year 11 in summer 2013 are required to continue in education or training until the end of the academic year in which they turn 17.
Young people due to complete year 11 in summer 2014 (or any later year) will need to continue for longer – until at least their 18th birthday.
Cllr Colin Froggatt, executive board member for children and young people’s services, said: “This is excellent news for the council and for young people in Warrington. We are committed to ensuring all young people have access to support and advice about their next steps and we want to help them plan ahead.
“We have a legal requirement to meet this criteria now so if you’re a young person who is out of education or training, and you’re under 18, please get in touch with our careers service who can point you in the right direction.”
For further information regarding RPA or for help and advice about getting back into learning or an apprenticeship please contact Warrington Careers for Young people Service on 01925 424900.