Implemented ten years ago in England, the Raising of the Participation Age (RPA) placed a duty on young people to remain in learning (although not confined to staying on at school) until their 18th birthday. This report presents the findings and recommendations from a research project examining the design, implementation and impact of the RPA on participation, retention and achievements in post-16 learning and subsequent labour market outcomes. T
The research, carried out by the University of Bath, Edge Foundation and FFT Education Datalab and funded by the Nuffield Foundation, goes beyond pure impact evaluation and examines RPA as a whole. The researchers explore the design of the policy from conception through to implementation and assess the extent to which it has achieved its objectives. Edge Foundation Director of Research, Andrea Laczik said, "I'm very pleased that we have successfully completed the Keeping young people in learning until the age of 18 - does it work? Evidence from the Raising of the Participation Age (RPA) in England project, in collaboration with the University of Bath. This has been a productive and rewarding partnership, with Edge serving as a co-investigator exploring RPA 10 years on from its full implementation in England."
Dr Andrea Laczik, Director of Research, Edge Foundation."This report provides valuable insights for a variety of stakeholders, including policy makers, practitioners and researchers "
Report written by
Prof Matt Dickson, Prof Sue Maguire, Dr Maria Jose Ventura Alfaro (University of Bath), Dr Andrea Laczik, Dr Dana Dabbous, Olly Newton (Edge Foundation) and Dave Thompson (FFT Education Datalab).
The project was funded by the Nuffield Foundation.