An A* idea

**A recent study from the Universities of Bristol and Bath has found that, back in the 1970s, “children of parents who had stayed a year longer in education had higher GCSE grades”. When the school leaving age was raised from 15 to 16 in 1972 its generations’ children benefited academically. Will we see the same pattern emerge as young people (as of September 2013) are expected to stay in learning or employment training until 17? **

There are a few concerns over extending the school leaving age. I have always found an unspoken stigma surrounding post-GCSE education. The longer you stay in school, the longer you delay experiencing the ‘real world’: some might say education shields us from the harsher practicalities of life.

However, researchers have calculated an academic improvement in children with parents who stayed longer in education by whether the child has achieved one grade higher in two GCSEs. The difference between a ‘D’ and a ‘C’ grade may be vital for the student’s future aspirations. Achievement, no matter its size, should be celebrated.

The positives of a longer education are numerous. It may present students with options that they would not have considered if they had left education post-GCSE. Perhaps it will inspire a potential growth in University applicants and quell the fears of dwindling interest toward Higher Education. During my A-levels, my eyes were opened up to numerous media-related subjects that my school curriculum had severely lacked. Surely everyone deserves this chance.

The most beneficial aspect of an extended leaving age is that the focus is not necessarily on strict academic work. Younger adults can be involved in work-based learning or complete voluntary work alongside part-time education.

A lengthier time in school when guided by teacher and student support staff should result in agencies like Connexions and Student Progression teams working with students longer. Instead of delivering generic talks about University or Apprenticeships, a longer stay in education results in more breathing space to think and consider before you are thrown out into ‘reality’.