PARENTS of youngsters in Warrington with questions or concerns about the raising of the school leaving age to 17 next year can get advice from the borough council.
From next summer young people will be required to continue in education or training until at least the end of the academic year in which they turn 17 (the end of Year 12 or equivalent). So those who started Year 11 this September will be the first to be affected.
The age will be extended to 18 from 2015.
A council spokesperson said: “This does not necessarily mean they will have to stay on at school after Year 11, and they will still be able to work full-time, if they choose to. They will have a choice about how they want to participate post-16.”
This could be through full -time education, such as school or college, work based learning such as an apprenticeship or part-time education or training if they are employed, self employed or volunteering for 20 hours or more a week.
From summer 2013 all schools, colleges and education providers will have to notify the council if a young person has dropped out of learning.
The spokesperson said: “This is to ensure that the young person can be contacted swiftly and offered support to help them re-engage in education or training.”
Anyone with questions about the changes should contact Cassandra Meza at Warrington Borough Council on 01925 443322.
PARENTS of youngsters in Warrington with questions or concerns about the
raising of the school leaving age to 17 next year can get advice from
the borough council.
Advice on new school leaving age
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
1 Comment
The only logical reason for extending the school leaving age is to massage the youth unemplyment figures.
If kids who don’t really want to be there, stay in school post-16 it just leads to disciplne problems and adversely affects the education of those who want to be there.