England extends education system
Published:Wednesday | September 3, 2008 | 2:02 PM
Children starting secondary schools in England this week will be the first to be legally required to remain in the education system until they are 17.
The rise in the age at which pupils can end their studies is just one of several changes taking effect in English schools this term.
New diplomas for subjects such as engineering and construction are also being phased in.
The increase in the education leaving age is the first such change since 1972, when it was raised from 15 to 16.
The change will not mean that pupils have to stay in the classroom, but they will have to receive continuous training.
The changes were reportedly introduced after the government discovered that about 200,000 young people aged between 16 and 18 are not in education or training.