ADVICE is on hand for pupils opening their exam results this morning – whatever the outcome - as they consider their next step after changes to government rules on education.

Careers advisors are on hand at Connexions offices across Bucks to offer information and guidance to those picking up their GCSE grades.

Extra help is on offer to help teenagers and to help them decide what form of learning or training they want to continue with after it was made compulsory to stay in training until the age of 18.

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."

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.

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 in South Bucks will take place at following venues and dates:

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) 

Thursday 6th November 2014 
Chalfonts 
The Chalfonts Community Centre, Narcot 
Lane, Chalfont St Peter, Gerrards Cross, 
Bucks SL9 8TP