Education, training and careers for 16 to 18s

If you were born on or after 1 September, 1997, you must remain in some form of education or training until your 18th birthday.

Did you know that over 90% of 16 to 17 year olds in Croydon are in education, employment or training? Are you (or your 16 to 17 year old child) one of them and we just don’t know?

Your options

This does not mean that you have to stay in school until you are 18. You could:

• stay in full-time education, at a school sixth form or college
• learn whilst you work, in programmes such as apprenticeships and training.
• get a job with specified training
• volunteer for more than 20 hours a week in combination with accredited learning

See options when you're 16, for more information, advice and resources on your options and choices, as well as a monthly newsletter with education, employment with training, volunteering opportunities and events.

Why you should to do this

The economy, the world of work and jobs are continually changing; more jobs require a higher level of skill, training and qualification. The requirement to remain in some form of education or training until your 18th birthday will help to prepare you for successful careers and equip you for the demands of the 21st century.

What the council needs to do

We have a legal responsibility to ensure people in Croydon between 16 to 18 years old are in education, training or employment. We must report this information to the Department for Education.

This means that we may contact you or your parent or carer to find out if the information we have about you is accurate. 

How you can help

You can help by telling us what you are doing at the moment, our contact details are below.