All pupils 'must stay in education until 17'

By Graeme Paton, Education Editor

Many young people are still without a college or training place for the new academic year, it was claimed, despite being told to remain in education for up to an extra 12 months. 

Teenagers receiving their GCSE results today are the first who will be officially unable to move directly on to a job without add-on training or a day-a-week college release. 

From September, all pupils will be required to remain at school, college or on-the-job training until they turn 17. It is the first step in a move towards raising the education leaving age to 18 by 2015. 

But charities warned of a shortage of available training places, insisting that more than 50,000 teenagers who would have previously “dropped out” at 16 will be hardest hit by the change. 

Teachers’ leaders also warned that the raising of the education leaving age left GCSEs redundant. 

Jonathan Rallings, Barnardo’s assistant director of policy, said this year’s GCSE students should be congratulated, but added: “Now the government must show it’s done its homework too, and has fully prepared for them to all stay on in education or training this autumn. 

“This year an extra 52,000 young people are expected to continue in learning until age 17. Many of these young people would have previously dropped out, due to extra challenges such as financial hardship or learning difficulties. 

“An additional desk will not be enough to help these students secure success in the classroom. 

“The government must make sure that the right financial support, course options and careers advice exists to ensure every young person is able to benefit from the extra year in learning.” 

Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said: “Given that the school leaving age is rising to 18, should the government be considering whether there is a need for assessment at 16 at all?” 

The requirement to remain in education and training is officially compulsory but the Government has dropped controversial plans by Labour to fine teenagers who refuse to take part. 

Officials insisted it would not be enforced but would be a “voluntary” requirement. 

Ministers are focusing on increasing the number of apprenticeships and creating a bursary fund of £1,200 each for poor the poorest teenagers who need help with travelling costs and other overheads. 

A spokeswoman for the Department for Education said: "We want young people to participate actively and voluntarily – that is why we are planning to spend £7.4bn on education and training this year, giving every young person the opportunity to continue their studies and go on to skilled employment or higher education. 

“Local authorities have a duty to track young people who are not in education, employment or training and to support young people to participate.”