The UK Queen’s Speech outlining parliamentary intentions for 2008, indicated that the UK government wishes to legislate compulsory schooling or technical training for all till the age of 18. Even parents will be required to encourage their children to comply.
While it is commendable to be supporting education, the approach is questionable. In contrast to this policy there have been proposals to exempt some in their mid-teens from school because they are not benefiting and truancy could be reduced if they were employed. But more to the point, it seems that there are insufficient resources dedicated to education as it is, and the efficacy of the curriculum and infrastructure has much room for improvement.
While the new education till 18 policy may or may not work, it would be more encouraging to see far greater resources invested in education and education reform at all ages, though especially for younger age groups.
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