School leaving age

Press, 24 December 1986, Page 16

School leaving age

Sir, —I am interested in, and somewhat confused by, the current proposal to raise the school leaving age to 18. Having completed the seventh form, I left school at the age of 17. I know of others who did likewise, leaving school before the age of 18, having gone right .through to the limit of the current secondary education system. Often such people do not turn 18 until half way through the next year, such as at university. Will such people, under the new proposal, be forced to enter into yet another year of education, or at least for a couple of months, before they come of age, to leave? Is the proposal for an eighth form as well? What is proposed to be taught to these people? — Yours, etc.,

C. WEIR. December 19, 1986.

Sir,—l wish to complain about putting the school-leaving age up to 18. Some pupils who do not wish to stay at school will distract the rest of the classes and give the teachers a hard time. In addition the Government will have to employ more teachers and provide more buildings. I will be staying until I am 18, but I know that most other people leave school when they are 15 or 16 to get a good job. Some people at 18 have children or are married; who would look after their kids? I agree about putting the school leaving age up, but not to. 18. I think 16 would be much better. — Yours, etc., NICOLA HARDING. December 19, 1986.