UK Youth welcomes proposed rise in school leaving age to 18
The Department for Education and Skills has announced plans to raise the school leaving age to18 in England by 2013. UK Youth welcomes the move as a way of keeping young people in education or training beyond the age of 16, as too many young people who fall out of the education system risk social exclusion and becoming hidden to services.
While the Government’s decision includes work place training as well as formal education, UK Youth believes it is important to remember that formal placements do not work for all young people for a variety of circumstances and reasons. Young parents or carers for example can have heavy responsibilities that prevent them from attending a structured, regular class or placement.
Since 1997, UK Youth has been developing a flexible and alternative curriculum for young people who find it difficult to stay in school or training. This scheme, delivered via our national Youth Achievement Awards programme, is now being used by over 800 youth programmes nationwide. The Awards are moderated to external standards, and have been recognised by the Government as a unique and effective way of recognising young people’s communication, negotiation, team work, and planning skills. Many young people who have achieved the Awards have found it to be a useful progression route to employment or education. UK Youth believes that non-formal education and accreditation schemes should be recognised as valid and worthwhile activity for young people - particularly those most at risk of exclusion - alongside formal education and training.
For more information on accreditation of non-formal education click here
For more information on education to 18 click here
