§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will introduce legislation to 541W permit children who have attained the age of 16 years to leave school before the appropriate school leaving date if they have a firm offer of regular employment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Keith JosephThe possibilities for change in the school leaving arrangements set out in the Education (School Leaving Dates) Act 1976 have been considered from time to time and remain under review. I believe, however, that the balance of advantage lies in leaving the present arrangements unchanged and in continuing to concentrate attention on making the curriculum in the final years at school more relevant to pupils' needs. Further change would make it difficult for schools to plan their final year's curriculum; and all pupils in the age group would receive reduced benefit from that year's schooling.