The City of Bath College is currently advising teenagers on the options available as they prepare to stay in education for longer.
It is in partnership with other colleges from across the region to urge young people to ‘Think Further’ now they have to remain in education until the age of 17.
A group of nine colleges has launched a campaign to encourage teenagers to think about what type of education will suit them rather than assuming they have to stay at school.
Students also have the option to take advantage of the world of opportunities at college where they will receive excellent teaching and be treated like adults.
The aim of the ‘Think Further’ campaign is to raise the awareness of post 16 education options across the region, in light of the rise in the participation age.
The Government has changed the law so that all young people will be required to continue in education or training until the age of 17 from this September. This will rise to the age of 18 from September 2015.
Speaking about the campaign, Principal Matt Atkinson said: “It is important that school leavers and parents are aware that the ‘Rise in the Participation Age’ to 17 years does not necessarily mean staying on at school for another year.
“School leavers still have the choice of college courses, apprenticeships or jobs with training as well as school, they just no longer have the option to do no form of training.
“We hope the ‘Think Further’ campaign will help show school leavers all of the options and help them to make an informed choice about their future.”
The options for 16-year-olds are:
- Continue study full-time in school, college or with a training provider
- Full-time work or volunteering combined with part-time education or training
- An apprenticeship
Joining City of Bath College in the high-profile campaign are South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, Gloucestershire College, City of Bristol College, Weston College, St Brendan’s Sixth Form College, Norton Radstock College, Hartpury College and Cirencester College.
Recent statistics from the Association of Colleges show employers view 17 to 18-year-old college leavers as better prepared for work than school leavers of the same age (74% compared to 66%) helping them gain that all important job at the end of their studies.
Colleges also provide one third of all entrants to higher education on successful completion of their study, so can help them achieve their higher education ambitions.
