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MP seeks 'leave school at 15' option

11:33am Monday 12th May 2008

A Bradford MP will this week demand children can leave school at 15 if they learn a trade and have achieved adequate grades in maths, science and English.

MP Philip Davies (Con, Shipley) has tabled an amendment to the Education and Skills Bill to include the provision to allow youngsters to leave school and undertake a vocational qualification.

They would also have to have the permission of their head teacher, parent or guardian and have achieved a certain standard in the three core subjects.

Mr Davies said: "There would be safeguards in place and all the criteria would have to be met. There are a lot of children who are not academically minded who, in effect, are wasting their time. But if they had the chance to do some vocational training it would be an incentive to knuckle down."

Stuart Herdson, branch secretary and past president of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), said in March that the scheme would provide disaffected pupils with a second chance at success.

Mr Herdson wants youngsters classed as NEETS - not in employment, education or training - to have the chance to work towards a vocational qualification which could lead to skilled employment or an apprenticeship.

Backing the call, he said: "This is something the Government should look at very seriously. If the child knew they had the chance to move on it would stimulate them and they may pay more attention."

The number of NEETs in Bradford is 870, compared with 1,010 in 2006, and Mr Herdson said the numbers could continue to fall, as undertaking a vocational course would mean they could make a valuable contribution to society.

By 2015 it will be compulsory for everyone to stay in some form of education or training until they are 18. Ministers believe too many people leave school without qualifications.

Mr Davies has also tabled an amendment calling for local authorities to provided orphans with an allowance of between £100 and £200 a week in addition to any other benefits they may be able to claim. The cash should also increase with the retail price index each year, and would be provided from the age of 16 to 21, as long as they are in full-time education.

This move follows publicity over the plight of student Kirsty Oldfield, of Shipley, who was orphaned and faced having to leave school because she could not afford to support herself.

It is in the hands of Commons speaker Michael Martin to decide whether the amendments should be debated.

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