Do you think that education (in the UK) should be compulsory until the age of 18?

Question

If not doing A-Levels, than at least doing some kind of vocational qualification at a college.

Do you think this is a good idea? Why/why not?

Answer 1

I believe that education is by far taken for granted in Britain. I agree that education should be compulsory until 18 as I believe at the tender age of 16 is still considered an adolescent in making executive decisions in a career path. Had I off known that education played a major part in my future job, I would off seriously considered A- Levels and not a NVQ in Beauty therapy & hairdressing. Maybe, just maybe it might lower the population in teenage pregnancy. Then again the sort off National Cirriculam subjects taought at school is not diverse enough to allow students to discover opportunities that awaits them to expand their knowledge in a particular field off interest which determines their future.

Answer 2

No, not every pupil is meant for an academic career and forcing them to study subjects that they are just not interested in only creates problems all round for the pupil in question, fellow classmates and teachers. The final two years of schooling is hard enough, with teacher having to give pupils the support they need to pass their exams, but can you imagine how much more difficult it would be in the class was filled with kids who just didn't want to be there?

Some kids of sixteen are ready to enter the work force and should not be prevented from doing so if that's what makes them happy. Equally, other kids of the same age might want a career in the military or in a vocational area. Support should be provided for everyone to ensure they are making the right choices for foisting education on someone who is, for all intents and purposes, an adult is not the right way to move forward. What needs to be done is giving kids leaving school the right support and advice as well as showing them that they may return to education if the future if that's what they want but the decision of what they want to do has to be left in their laps.

Answer 3

No, I don't think it is a good idea. It would cost the taxpayer more money and not all young people wish to continue to study. What would be a good idea would be to make all university undergraduates leave school or college and undertake 2 years compulsory work prior to studying. This would give the opportunity for individuals to get a taster of their chosen field or even save up some money to help them through their forthcoming studies. I also thing that apprenticeships should be greatly encouraged.

Answer 4

No, not particularly. However, anything which recognises that people learn different things in different ways at different times should be welcomed so if the government want to fund appropriate opportunities for more "kids" good on them. Just don't make them stay at school to do it. Genuine ability to transfer to college/work as early as 14 should be increased as it suits some. Lots of people in this life aren't academic but will work.

Answer 5

no because most school leavers wouldn't consider opting for a university degree, mainly because of top-up fees and secondly some would consider seeking full-time work or a job, travel abroad or going to apply for the army as alternatives to name.

of course nobody should be denied an education and the opportunity of being educated. but education is there for those who want it and so it shouldn't be forced down the kids throats, if they don't want it.

Answer 6

First from the pupils point of view. For people that hate school or don't benefit from it that is like jailing them for 2 extra years. What is wrong with freedom of choice? What's wrong with letting them earn some money?

From teachers point of view, who wants a class of pupils that hate being there making life difficult for the teacher who wants to teach and the student who wants to study.

From the parents point of view. It is worthwhile to support kids who will benefit from further education but who needs the struggle of financially supporting and pushing kids who are not at all academically inclined and are destined for jobs such as labouring, althletics and sport, entertainers, delivery men, taxi drivers, postmen and many many more jobs, all equally necessary but not benefitting from long training or high academic qualifications.

Better to give respect to peoples right to choose their own lives, give respect to jobs that require skills that you can't acquire in education but are nonetheless necessary and to have enough respect for your kids to not try to make them re live their parents lives with their parents values.

When I need a plumber I don't check how many GCE's he has. I just want him to fix my tap now and I will pay him a fair amount for saving my carpets. When I need a painter for my house the same applies. Have some respect for non-academic livelyhoods.

Answer 7

No,
Some people are just not able to engage with education even at 14.
The may later, they may never.
They deserve to be given chances but forcing people to stay inschool is really disruptive sometimes - they could be learning on the job.

Answer 8

i think any nation should do what it can to have better smarter citizens. yes forcing them is good idea to me. just make sure they are learning so that they would be able to succeed once they get out of school.

Answer 9

Yes.

Answer 10

yes so the older people can work if they want to