'Raising the Participation Age' came about from government legislation, introduced in 2013 to encourage young people to stay in 'education and training' until they are 18. It's not quite the same as the school-leaving age as it doesn't mean young people have to stay on at school.

Schools, academies and learning providers are required to provide independent and impartial information, advice and guidance on the options available to young people and raise awareness of RPA (particularly to those leaving school at 16).

Brighton Hill Community School are incredibly proud of the achievements/destinations of the students who leave them. A recent draft Hampshire RPA report evidences just how well the school is doing:

Young people can still leave school at the end of Year 11, however they must continue to participate in some form of learning until at least their 18^th Birthday. Options include:

• full-time education (e.g at a school, college or training provider)
• an apprenticeship or traineeship
• part-time education or training combined with one of the following:
  • employment or self-employment for 20 hours or more a week
  • volunteering for 20 hours or more a week