Young people must be in education until they are 18, instead of 16, from 2015 - and Swindon is at the forefront of work to ensure that as many students as possible keep learning after their sixteenth birthday.
As part of this, students in the Borough will be able to get information, advice and guidance about potential careers, and the study options open to them, at an event on Wednesday (18th) at Swindon Town Football Club’s Legends Lounge.
It has been organised by staff and students from the Oakfield Project, which is attended by pupils who need extra help to carry on learning successfully after they are 16, and beyond. The project is supported by six Swindon secondary schools, and youth services.
Swindon is one of only 16 pilot areas in the UK funded by the Department for Education to develop methods to keep as many students as possible in education until they are 18.
The council was given the task of finding ways to identify those at risk of dropping out, and then assessing the support they need to keep studying. The work of all the local authorities involved will help develop the national government guidance to all authorities once the new legislation – part of the Education and Skills Act 2008 - comes into force in 2013. This requires young people to stay in education or training until they are 17 by 2013, and 18 by 2015. Education or training could be full time education, employment with training, an apprenticeship or volunteering with part-time learning.
Cllr David Renard, Cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “I am pleased that Swindon is at the forefront of work to ensure that students stay in education for longer.
“It’s vital that young people make the most of these opportunities, because a good education and qualifications have never been more important. It’s a tough job market at the moment and we must ensure as many of our young people are equipped for it as possible.”
Among the organisations supporting the event are Swindon College, New College, Cirencester College, the Army, BMW Mini, and the NHS.
The event will be attended by the Mayor of Swindon, Cllr Ray Ballman, at 12.30pm.