Government to raise school leaving age to 18

By Rich Bowden, M&C Staff Writer Nov 5, 2007, 11:52 GMT

The government is planning to introduce new legislation which will raise the school leaving age to 17 by 2013 and 18 by 2015 as part of an education shake-up. EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA

(M&C) - The government is planning to introduce new legislation which will raise the school leaving age to 17 by 2013 and 18 by 2015 as part of an education shake-up.

Teenagers who drop out of school early will be find it more difficult to obtain benefits said Schools Secretary Ed Balls as he called for a "culture change" in education and announced an expansion to apprenticeships.

"We need to start now by engendering a culture change in young people, their parents and the education and employment system through creating the balance of rights and responsibilities that underpin a higher compulsory leaving age, " said Mr Balls.

"We need to intensify support so that long-term Neets are offered a way back into work or education. I look forward to a time when no young person will be a long-term Neet [not in education, employment or training]."

Mr Balls said his government will also introduce a more flexible school year allowing students to begin new courses in January if they fail to sign up in September.

The Bill will be announced in this week's Queen's Speech to Parliament.