The minimum age for leaving school in Scotland should be lowered from 16 to 14, according to plans being proposed by the Scottish Conservatives.
Party leader Russell Findlay said the “bold idea” would allow teenagers to escape a “system that isn’t working for them” and instead pursue a “hybrid education” by going on to college or taking up an apprenticeship.
The MSP for West Scotland will use a speech during Apprenticeship Week on Wednesday to propose the policy.
He said: “My party is putting forward a common sense agenda for change.
“This is not about writing off these young people. It is the very opposite of that.
“It is about guiding each individual onto the path best suited to their aspirations.
“It is about giving young people an opportunity to continue in a form of hybrid education that is better suited to their talents.
“Upon leaving school at 15, maybe even 14, they would still be required to stay in education.
“But it would be a form of education that works for them. A fast track to opportunity, whether college or an apprenticeship.
“By developing our proposal hand in hand with businesses, we could make Scotland’s economy fit for the future.”
If implemented, the school leaving age of 14 would be one of the lowest in Europe.
In response, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth described the proposal – which was previously championed by the Scottish Tories in 2011 – as “Dickensian”.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth. Pic: PA
‘Tory values rooted in the Victorian era’
She added: “The Tories should say what they mean – they want to see working class children leave school at 14 and leave academic pursuits to the middle and upper class. That is not an approach this government will agree with.
“We will continue to take action to ensure every child in…
