Raising Expectations

Following on from the Leitch Review of Skills (ISBN 9780118404860) published in December 2006, this Green Paper sets out the Government's proposals to raise the level of the UK skills base in order to meet the needs of the UK economy and to promote social justice and social inclusion. It sets out proposals for consultation to raise the compulsory participation age for all young people in education or training until their 18th birthday, either at school or college, in work-based learning or in accredited training schemes, leading to accredited qualifications. It is proposed that this participation should be full-time for young people not in employment for a significant part of the week and part-time for those working more than 20 hours a week. This requirement would be phased in, introduced initially in 2013 for those aged 17 years old, with a later extension to require participation until 18 years old. It is judged that 2013 would be the earliest time by which a national entitlement to the new qualifications could be introduced, applicable to pupils who start Year 7 in September 2008, creating a clear expectation of continued participation for those young people right from the start of their secondary schooling. These proposals would apply to all 16 and 17 year olds resident in England.