It has been revealed today that the government is planning to raise the school leaving age to 18 in England. The Government assured the public that they won’t make A levels compulsory to any pupil. They also said that 16 and 17 year olds may be paid a training wage in exchange for signing up to courses.

Previously the leaving age rose in 1880 to 10 years old. In 1899 the leaving age rose to 12 and in 1918 to 14. In 1944 it rose to 15 and in 1972 the leaving age rose to what it is today, 16.

Mr MacDonald the head teacher of Paible School said, “It is a good idea to keep school children on till the age of 18 but the curriculum has to change to a more suitable standard”. He continued, “The new curriculum has to have practical courses for example: crofting, fishing and more practical home economics with less written work.”

Mr. Bramwell, social subjects teacher said, “I think that keeping children in school for an extra two years with no choice is not a good idea. More people will want to get a job sooner than the age of 18.”  

One first year pupil said, “That it is definitely not a good idea because if we don’t have the choice then the pupils will not be happy and it might affect their studies.”

Medal-winning athlete and ex-pupil Morina MacDougall said,”I’m so glad I left at 16, because I got the chance to do what I wanted to do. Get a job and save money and concentrate on my running.” 

This change in the law will take effect in 2013 and, after nearly 40 years, is bound to be controversial.

By Fraser, Catherine, Louise, Andrew and Connor S2x