Should the school-leaving age be lowered to 14, with pupils then entering paid apprenticeships?
In England the compulsory school leaving age is 16, after which young people must remain in education, training or work until 18. The government announced in July 2026 that from age 14 pupils will be able to combine core subjects with technical education, work experience and employer links, with rollout planned for 2028. Proposals to lower the leaving age to 14 for immediate paid apprenticeships have drawn criticism over safeguarding, foundational skills and employer readiness.
3 Opinions
For some, lowering the leaving age to 14 and getting them paid apprenticeships is a far better idea than making them stay for an extra few years, being bored and disruptive. It might be a better idea to give them a choice of staying on, or getting apprenticeships, they have to have one or the other. One thing though, making sure that everyone can read, write clearly, and spell accurately, is a must, whatever decision is made about the leaving age.
Why don't we return ourselves back to Blake's "dark satanic mills" as well?
16 is young enough for children to decide between a paid apprenticeship or other learning opportunities. Lowering to 14 offers no real advantage to the child or society.