Teens reject leaving age of 18
Posted by Mark Ludlam on Wednesday, 26 March, 2008
By Peter Kingston, The Guardian, 25.03.08
A survey by the Prince’s Trust reveals that students struggling in schools would resent the idea of being made to stay on in school until they were 18.
The trust works with disadvantaged young people, including those struggling at school, in care, or in trouble with the law. It has held focus groups across the country among 14- to 16-year-olds on raising the leaving age, part of the education and skills bill going through parliament.
The message from the young people is that they can see the benefits of encouraging continued education to 18 but resent the removal of choice.
As a more useful alternative, the Trust is promoting its 12-week personal development programme for unemployed 16- to 25-year-olds, which it says develops wider key skills and qualifications by helping to build confidence and motivation.
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See also:
Expert: Compulsory education until 18 to alienate many young people
