So how does this new "stay in education until 17" thing work then?

[DontNeedAnything]

I heard on teh local news today that all 11yo's going to secondary this term will be required to stay in full time education until 17.

So what will they do after their GCSE's at 16 or will that change to 18 or what.

[Helsbels4]

I caught the end of that on the radio as well and wondered what that was all about. My 8yr old DS will be so pleased!

[southeastastra]

all the 16 year olds that just want to leave and get a job will bug the ones that want to do a levels.

[AbbeyA]

It will only work if they give them useful practical things to do at school, that are relevant in the work place. I think that apprenticeships would be a much better way to go. My DS is only just 19 and qualified. He has an August birthday so left school at 15.He was struggled with academic subjects and yet has got distinctions in practical exams.His friends have done one year at university and are in debt. He earned money while he trained and will have a skill for life-he will be able to pick and choose jobs.

[Lilymaid]

What about those areas (like mine) where state secondaries are from 11-16, followed by 6th Form College or Further Education College? Does FE College now have to think up ways of keeping them occupied for a year - these won't be the ones on the standard two year technical/beauty/catering type courses.

[AbbeyA]

I think it another of these ideas not properly thought out Lilymaid. It is just a way of keeping them off the streets.

[DontNeedAnything]

Fair point Cat...but I still don't really understand....I guess the givernment will work it about in about 4 1/2 years when the appropriate kids are all 15 and half and the system is only geared up to take them until 16...

[ReallyTired]

For a certain proportion of kids school offers them nothing from about the age of 14. They are disinterested with what is on offer and distruptive.

TBH if a kids hasn't learnt to read and write by 16 then what is the point of forcing them to stay.

I would prefer kids being allowed to do as they like at 16, but not getting any state benefits if they don't have a job. (Although there would need to be provision for kids in care/ without parents)

Money could be better spent on giving adults later on in life opportunities. Someone who is very immature at 16 might make an excellent access course student at 21.

[UnquietDad]

I'd be interested to know how this is going to work in my city where the vast majority of the secondary schools only go up to 16, and if you want to goto sixth-form you either have to go to the college or trek across town to one of the six or so schools that have them, - and, ooh look, they're all in the leafy 4x4 suburbs, what a surprise.

Previously there's been room for people to do this, presumably as so many people have left at 16. What will happen now? More jostling for places just like at 5 and 11?

[Saggarmakersbottomknocker]

This is linked to the new Diplomas and the 14 - 19 Reform programmme which is being introduced over the next 5 years. The secondary curriculum has been revised apparently (again!)

Like UQD I'm a bit as to how it will work locally. They are currently closing several secondary schools in the city due to falling rolls, where will they go?