Raising of the school leaving age to 18

22 March 2007  

Commenting on the Green Paper on continued involvement in education till the age of 18, Steve Sinnott, NUT General Secretary, said:

“This is entirely the wrong approach. The government appears to want it both ways: voluntary involvement in education and training post-16 but being criminalised if you don’t take part.

“What is needed is for the Government to talk to teachers’ and employers’ organisations and to young people’s groups about the sort of provision that should and can be available and then ensure that happens.

“Criminalising young people is no way to ensure committed involvement. It will only serve to alienate and undermine any desire disaffected young people may feel towards continuing their education.”