The ThunderDragon: Force Kids To Stay In School Until 18? Why?!

10 November 2006

Force Kids To Stay In School Until 18? Why?!

Alan Johnson is considering raising the school-leaving age to 18.

Why?!

Those who want to stay in school already can and do. Unlike University, it doesn't cost £3,000 a year in tuition fees, but is free, so there is very little financial constraint about who can stay on to do A-levels. In fact, many 16-18 year olds are paid to do it.

I can see little or no benefit in having compulsory schooling until 18, since those who are would not have stayed on otherwise will resent it, and thus make it harder for those who do want to stay on at school to study.

Also, having A-levels as a voluntary schooling era is good training for University, where there is far less emphasis on what you must do, and gives the student a far better chance to be self-aware and self-conscious of what they are learning.

There is simply no need for compulsory education until 18.

Sources: The Times, BBC

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