Let children leave school to work at 14, says adviser

Pupils should be allowed to leave school at the age of 14, according to David Blunkett's former adviser when he was Secretary of State for Education.

The suggestion by Conor Ryan, in a pamphlet published today by the Centre for Policy Studies, reflects a growing clamour among educationists for lowering the leaving age.

Mr Ryan urges ministers to allow 14-year-olds to work and start apprenticeships, accompanied by college courses in the basics such as English, maths and information technology. "An effective programme of apprenticeships could cut truancy, greatly reduce indiscipline and give young people the opportunity to do something worthwhile," he writes.

Under the scheme, an estimated 200,000 youngsters who currently either obtain no GCSE passes or low grades would leave school and transfer to further education colleges and employment. The recommendation foreshadows proposals to be published by the Government in January as part of its shake-up of education for 14 to 19-year-olds to allow more youngsters to transfer to colleges or go out on work experience for up to three days a week from the age of 14.