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Raising the participation age

The current Year 11 students, are required, by law, to attend some kind of education or training up until their 18th Birthday. This can be a full time course at a college or in a school sixth form. Alternatively, the learning can be through an apprenticeship, traineeship, full or part time employed position with appropriate training, or a training center. Although considerable support and guidance is provided at school and through its partners, it is the student who is ultimately responsible for arranging and attending their chosen Post 16 course or programme.

This change in the law does reflect the advice we have always given our students, and we would always encourage completion of the course embarked upon in Year 13, as it gives students the best chance of long term success, fulfilment and financial stability.

We promote higher education for all. The traditional route is to attend university after successful completion of an A Level or a compliant Level 3 vocational course at a college or school sixth form, however alternative routes to a degree level education can be gained through an apprenticeship, distance learning or assessed learning in the work place.

There are employers prepared to sponsor students through university often in the business, engineering, financial and retail industries. Bursaries and scholarships are available to help with fees, travel and living costs in some circumstances.