News
Over Half of Young People Welcome Staying on in Education - But More Information and Advice is Needed
21 April 2011
A majority of young people have said they are in favour of the government’s plans to increase the age for remaining in education and training to 18 years old, however many are unaware of the options available to them.
The findings come from research undertaken by the National Youth Agency, as part of its ongoing work with the Local Government Association.
A total of 80 young people between the ages of 11 and 23 years old took part in focus groups around the country. This qualitative study is part of ongoing research into the Raising of the Participation Age (RPA), and builds upon quantitative research reported on in November 2010, which consisted of an online survey of 1,000 young people and 900 parents.
55 per cent of young people were in favour of raising the age. Around a quarter (22 per cent) was opposed to it and 21 per cent were unsure. These findings were in-line with the NYA’s online survey, where 57 percent of respondents were in favour of staying in learning until the age of 18.
Respondents’ feedback identified that there is a need for a comprehensive campaign explaining to young people, and those who advise and support them, that the options include college and employment, as well as school.
Fiona Blacke, National Youth Agency chief executive, said: “The focus group participants were from five different parts of the country, yet they all had varying levels of knowledge about the raising of the participation age, with very few being fully aware of the potential options available to them.
“We found that even when the NYA team explained the full range of options, the young people in the focus groups continued to equate ‘staying on in education or training’ with ‘staying on in school’.”
The study also found that most of the young people who were in favour of staying on stressed the importance of being offered a range of choices. Young people in two groups were particularly keen on apprenticeships, with around three-quarters of focus group participants preferring this option.
One young person said: “I hated school, but I got good grades so the only option I was given was sixth-form college, and I didn’t get on with it so I left. It would have been different if I’d been given more choices.”
Another young person added: “If you do an apprenticeship they don’t judge you on GCSEs or school, they’re more interested in you actually doing the work.”
Other discussions covered the topic of the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). Many young people felt strongly that the ending of the EMA would discourage young people from staying on in education, citing their own experience and those of their peers. A minority, however, argued that education should be an end in itself and should not be incentivised financially.
“The findings highlight that there are significant challenges for schools and other learning providers, not only in disseminating accurate information about the RPA arrangements, but in responding to young people’s wider concerns about education to ensure that staying on in learning is a positive an valuable experience for all young people,” added Fiona Blacke
Learning from this study, together with the qualitative research of young people, parents and carers undertaken in November 2010, will now be made available to local authorities to support them in developing and continually improving an engaging offer for young people affected by the RPA.
A copy of the report can be downloaded from the NYA policy pages.