Statement on Queen's Speech proposals to raise the school leaving age

5 November 2007

The Professional Association of Teachers (PAT) has opposed proposals to raise the school leaving age (Educational Opportunity Bill ) to be set out in the Queen's Speech at the State Opening of Parliament (6 November 2007).

PAT General Secretary Philip Parkin said: "Raising the school leaving age is a potential minefield that could be disastrous. We could end up with married, voting parents being disciplined or criminalised for not attending school or college. 

 “It is hardly surprising that some disenchanted young people do not want to set themselves up to be further alienated by compulsory 16 to 18 education or business-led training designed for purely economic reasons to fill a skills gap. To make them conscripts is likely to reinforce failure, leading to even greater disaffection.

”Enforcement could lead to mass truancy, disruption to other learners and staff, maybe even needless criminalisation if ‘enforcement measures’ are imposed. Would young people or their parents be punished for non-attendance?

”Schools and colleges will be forced to accept a host of unwilling students who will poison the atmosphere for those willing to learn. Forcing an education on teenagers will create even more youngsters with a grudge against society. 

 “There is not a strong case for introducing compulsory participation in education or training to 18. There is a strong case for providing high quality provision for all when they are ready to learn. In the spirit of lifelong learning, the exciting opportunities in education and training should be the carrot and not the stick to encourage participation.

”We see far too many young people switched off from learning as a result of an overbearing testing regime. We should increase the number of young people in education or training, but without conscription. We should provide appropriate opportunities but allow young adults some choice between work and/or education and training.

”If we can get it right from the beginning of a child’s life, through good parenting, universal adequate funding in the early years, appropriate high quality learning and care opportunities, and joined-up services, we could avoid so many children failing or being at risk of failing later. Then, with the right curriculum or training programme on offer, taught in the right way, in the right surroundings, voluntary uptake beyond 16 is likely to increase.”