The Education and Skills Act 2008 increased the minimum age at which young people in England can leave learning, thus requiring you to continue in education or a job with training to the age of 17 from 2013 and to 18 from 2015.
Raising the participation age does not necessarily mean you must stay in school; you will able to choose one of the following options:
- Full-time education, such as school, college or home education
- Work-based learning, such as an Apprenticeship
- Part-time education or training if you are employed, self-employed or volunteering for more than 20 hours a week.