DEPARTMENT FOR
EDUCATION AND SKILLS News Release (2007/0078) issued by The
Government News Network on 15 May 2007
Education
Secretary Alan Johnson today launched a young people's
consultation on whether the education and training leaving age
should be increased to 18.
The young people's consultation which is a magazine and
questionnaire aims to canvas young people's views about
raising the leaving age proposals.
A recent poll found that (90%) of respondents support the idea of
staying in education or training until the age of 18 but the
consultation launched today aims to gain a picture of young
peoples views in particular.
Mr Johnson launched the consultation in Leeds, at a regional
conference to encourage debate and get views on the leaving age
proposals across the country.
Mr Johnson said:
"I believe all young people whatever their background, will
benefit from staying in education or training until their 18th
birthday to ensure they have the skills to get and keep a job in
today's very competitive market place.
"The days of walking out of the school gates without good
qualifications and into a low skilled job are long gone. That is
good, because it means higher skilled jobs and better prospects -
but it also means having the right skills to get those jobs.
"This is not about forcing young people to stay in the
classroom for an extra two years. Staying on in education or
training to 18 could mean a sixth form or further education
college or it could mean training whilst in a job.
"I want to hear what everyone has to say, that is the whole
point of publishing a green paper. But I am particularly keen to
hear the views of young people who will be affected by this change
in policy which is why I have launched a consultation geared
towards them."
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The government's proposals are set out for public
consultation in the Green Paper, Raising Expectations published 22
March. The consultation period runs until 14 June and there is
also a young people's version. For more details or to
respond to the government's proposals please visit http://www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations
2. The Green Paper sets out a detailed package for consultation:
- From 2013, young people should remain in education or training
after 16 - this means the first pupils to be affected would be
those entering secondary school in September next year.
- Young people would be required to work towards accredited
qualifications at school, in a college, or in "on the
job" training or day release;
- Apprenticeships will be significantly expanded so that they are
available to any qualified young person who wants one;
- Participation should be full time for young people not in
employment for a significant part of the week and part time for
those working more than 20 hours a week;
- Better advice and guidance for young people to enable them to
access the provision that's right for them;
- A high quality, accurate registration system to keep track of
the education options a young person has chosen and to make sure
they don't drop out;
- Building on the Education Maintenance Allowance we will
consider new financial support measures to ensure young people
from low income backgrounds get the support they need to overcome
any barriers to participation.
PUBLIC ENQUIRIES: 0870 000 2288 info@dfes.gsi.gov.uk
INTERNET
ADDRESS : http://www.dfes.gov.uk
http://www.dfes.gov.uk/findoutmore
If you would like to receive email notification of new press
notices in the subjects of your choice, please click on
'register' on our site: http://www.dfes.gov.uk,
'Latest News'.