This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/education/6612997.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Teenagers split on learning to 18 Teenagers split on learning to 18
(1 day later)
Teenagers are split on the government's plan to raise the education leaving age in England to 18, a survey suggests.Teenagers are split on the government's plan to raise the education leaving age in England to 18, a survey suggests.
Only half thought it a good idea, as against 71% of parents, a poll for the Learning and Skills Network showed.Only half thought it a good idea, as against 71% of parents, a poll for the Learning and Skills Network showed.
Two-thirds of the 920 parents and 320 teenagers who responded thought financial support would persuade youngsters to stay on.Two-thirds of the 920 parents and 320 teenagers who responded thought financial support would persuade youngsters to stay on.
Criminal sanctions for refusers found little backing. The government says its own survey indicates greater support.Criminal sanctions for refusers found little backing. The government says its own survey indicates greater support.
Education Secretary Alan Johnson has said that by 2015 all youngsters in England will have to be in school or some form of training until their 18th birthdays.Education Secretary Alan Johnson has said that by 2015 all youngsters in England will have to be in school or some form of training until their 18th birthdays.
Enforcement action would be taken only in a minority of "hardcore" cases, and financial help and extra advice would be offered to those who needed it.Enforcement action would be taken only in a minority of "hardcore" cases, and financial help and extra advice would be offered to those who needed it.
ImaginativeImaginative
John Stone, the chief executive of the Learning and Skills Network, a not-for-profit consultancy, said: "Parents support the proposal, but they don't want young people who drop out of education or training before they are 18 to face hard sanctions or be criminalised.John Stone, the chief executive of the Learning and Skills Network, a not-for-profit consultancy, said: "Parents support the proposal, but they don't want young people who drop out of education or training before they are 18 to face hard sanctions or be criminalised.
One route could be to work closely with young people who aren't motivated to learn John StoneLearning and Skills Network "The concern amongst parents is understandable, but getting a balance between persuading teenagers to take part and enforcement where necessary is complex.One route could be to work closely with young people who aren't motivated to learn John StoneLearning and Skills Network "The concern amongst parents is understandable, but getting a balance between persuading teenagers to take part and enforcement where necessary is complex.
"One route could be to work closely with young people who aren't motivated to learn and offer more imaginative solutions such as online learning programmes, young enterprise schemes and internships.""One route could be to work closely with young people who aren't motivated to learn and offer more imaginative solutions such as online learning programmes, young enterprise schemes and internships."
In the poll, carried out by MyVoice Research, middle-class parents were less likely to agree with the proposals than those from other social groups.In the poll, carried out by MyVoice Research, middle-class parents were less likely to agree with the proposals than those from other social groups.
A spokesman for the Department for Education said its own research showed "overwhelming support" for the plans. A spokesman for the Department for Education and Skills said its own research showed "overwhelming support" for the plans.
"Nine out of 10 people support the idea. And two-thirds of respondents agree that staying in education until 18 should be made a legal requirement," he said."Nine out of 10 people support the idea. And two-thirds of respondents agree that staying in education until 18 should be made a legal requirement," he said.
"But, as we have already said, it is interesting that older generations are more in favour of remaining in education until 18, suggesting that wisdom comes with age.""But, as we have already said, it is interesting that older generations are more in favour of remaining in education until 18, suggesting that wisdom comes with age."
Shadow education secretary David Willetts said: "This new survey confirms that compulsion to 18 simply won't work."
He added: "Instead of threatening young people with a criminal record we need better schools, better vocational training and apprenticeships that employers really value."