Sylvia Heal

Labour Party | Halesowen and Rowley Regis

Local MP backs increase in education leaving age

Sylvia Heal has today backed Government plans to raise the education leaving age to 18.

From 2013 young people will be required to participate in some form of post-16 learning. This could include full-time education at school or college, at least one day’s training while in employment or volunteering, or work based learning through an apprenticeship.

Under the Education and Skills Bill announced as part of the Queen’s Speech earlier this month, there will be a responsibility on parents and employers to assist young people to participate in education and a duty on local authorities to provide the support and advice for young people so they can participate.

The move has received widespread support from business, teachers and employers.

Local Labour MP Sylvia Heal has welcomed the move which would ensure that young people receive vital skills and training to secure a good job when they leave education.

Sylvia Heal MP said: “Raising the education leaving age is a radical move by the Government to extend opportunity to all young people. It will transform our education system and ensure that young people have the skills they need to succeed in the global economy.

“This doesn’t mean young people will necessarily be in the classroom until 18. They will be able to get vocational qualifications, one of thousands of new apprenticeships or get a job so long as they do at least one day per week of training.

“And young people will have the opportunity to work for one of the new Diploma qualifications, which local employers tell me they welcome. They will be able to get Diplomas in practical subjects like Engineering, Manufacturing, Hair and Beauty, and Sport and Leisure.

“This is a big change, but it won’t come into effect until 2013 when today’s Year Six pupils will be the first to benefit. Before the law changes, we need to do more to get all 16-18 year olds into some form of education, employment or training. That is why I support the Government’s plans to improve the advice and support available to these young people, to get them into the New Deal programme more quickly and to enhance the Education Maintenance Allowances which are worth up to £30 per week for those from poorer backgrounds who stay on at 16.”