Young people have their say - staying on in Education or Training to 18?

15th May 2007

Education Secretary Alan Johnson has 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."

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