Parents still in the dark over new educational requirements

Young people will be required to continue learning until the end of the academic year in which they turn 17 under the government’s new Raising the Participation Age (RPA) legislation which comes into effect in September.
RPA requires a young person to continue learning by either undertaking an apprenticeship, attending sixth form or carrying out part-time learning while employed.
A recent survey carried out in schools across West Berkshire and Reading showed that 33 per cent of young people who will be affected by RPA, and 25 per cent of their parents, were unaware of the change.
A further 25 per cent of those surveyed incorrectly thought RPA would result in an increase of the school leaving age.
West Berkshire Council’s executive member for children, and young people, youth service and education, Irene Neill (Con, Aldermaston), said: "At a time when job opportunities are becoming increasingly hard to come by, it is more important than ever to make the most of education.
In West Berkshire we are taking something of a lead by offering pupils in the Alternative Curriculum Service the chance of a 6th form education.”