Support for school leaving age at 18
TALKS have been held over the merits of raising the compulsory school age to 18, Education, Sport & Culture has said.
The concept, which has been discussed by the political committee, has been given some support from one of the leading teachers' union officials, but with the warning that such a policy would need to be supported by investment.
The Youth Commission is also aware of the idea and will be discussing the matter with the Youth Forum for Guernsey and Alderney, to seek its views.
While talks have been held by Education, it has no immediate plans to bring the matter to the States as a priority.
Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers' union in Guernsey, said there were good reasons in principle for raising the participation age to 18.
'The evidence is clear that post-16 participation in education or training enhances young people's careers and earning prospects and boosts productivity, economic growth and social cohesion.
'However, evidence from England shows that to be fully effective, such a policy must be supported by sufficient investment and must ensure that all young people have access to a wide range of learning pathways that meet their needs and interests.'
