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Raising of the participation age

The rule in England that young people must stay in education or training until their 18th birthday, either full-time study, an apprenticeship or traineeship, or part-time study alongside work or volunteering.

Also called
RPA
Used in
England
Topic
Policy and law

Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.

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Post-16 All four UK nations (details may differ)
Education or training after the end of Year 11 (England and Wales), S4 (Scotland) or Year 12 (Northern Ireland).
Compulsory school age All four UK nations (details may differ)
The ages between which a child must receive full-time education. In England and Wales it starts from the term after a child's fifth birthday (Northern Ireland and Scotland start earlier and have their own rules) and runs to the end of the school year in which the child turns 16; the exact leaving date differs by nation.

More terms: Policy and law

Persistent absence · Protected characteristics · Public sector equality duty · School Admissions Code · Severe absence · Summer-born

More terms starting with R · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class

Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.