Careers advisors will be on hand at Connexions offices across Buckinghamshire to offer information and guidance to pupils picking up their GCSE results, and to help them decide what form of learning or training they want to continue in until their 18th birthday.
Connexions telephone number: 0845 313 3413
Or email: info@connexionsbucks.org.uk
Following a change to the law and referred to nationally as 'Raising the Participation Age' (RPA) and in Bucks as 'Staying in Learning Longer', young people who are presently in year 11 will be required to stay in learning until their 18th birthday. This does not mean that they have to stay at school; there are a range of exciting options available to them at 16.
They can participate in education or training through an apprenticeship; full-time sixth form; further education college courses; or part-time education or training if they are employed.They also have the option to become self-employed or take a voluntary job for 20 hours or more a week, but this will need to be combined with part-time education or training for one day per week.
Chris Oakley, Connexions Personal said: "The raising of the participation age is an important development and obviously affects many young people's future career plans. Connexions offers services which directly support young people and their parents or carers through providing high quality impartial advice to help them make the right decision. Students can talk to a Connexions Personal Adviser (PA) at their school or college, or by dropping into their local Connexions centre."
Bill Bendyshe-Brown, Buckinghamshire County Council's Deputy Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: "Getting your results can seem quite daunting but also exciting. For those who have achieved or exceeded expectations, well done. However, if results are not quite as expected, there will be professionals on hand who can talk through the various options to help students individually make informed decisions about their future career path whether that be through an apprenticeship, employment, training or further education."
For those entering year 11 this year, Connexions Buckinghamshire will be holding nine free information events across the County for young people and their parents and/or carers, to help them find out more about the options available to them in 2015. To see where these will be held and for further information please visit www.stayinlearning.org.uk
Information events will take place at following venues and dates
Wednesday 1st October 2014
Buckingham
Community Centre, Cornwalls Meadow
(Off High Street), Buckingham, Bucks
MK18 1RP
Monday 13th October 2014
High Wycombe
Adams Park Conference Centre, Adams
Park, Hillbottom Road, Sands, High
Wycombe, Bucks HP12 4HJ
Wednesday 15th October 2014
Princes Risborough
The Oasis Centre, 9 Bell Street, Princes
Risborough, Bucks HP27 0DE
Monday 20th October 2014
Chesham
Town Hall, High Street, Chesham, Bucks
HP5 1DS
Wednesday 22nd October 2014
Burnham
Burnham Park Hall, Windsor Lane,
Burnham, Bucks SL1 7HR
Thursday 23rd October 2014
Beaconsfield
Fitzwilliams Centre, Windsor End,
Old Town, Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 2JW
(behind St Mary's Church)
Tuesday 4th November 2014
Aylesbury
The Gateway Conference Centre, (based
within Aylesbury Vale District Council
Headquarters) Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury,
Bucks HP19 8FF
Thursday 6th November 2014
Chalfonts
The Chalfonts Community Centre, Narcot
Lane, Chalfont St Peter, Gerrards Cross,
Bucks SL9 8TP
Monday 10th November 2014
Winslow
The Bell Hotel, Market Square, Winslow,
Bucks MK18 3AB
