New diplomas for subjects such as engineering and construction are also being phased in. Head teachers say too many initiatives are being introduced at once. The increase in the school leaving age is the first such change since 1972, when it was raised from 15 to 16. There are also major changes to the curriculum for 11 to 14-year-olds and to GCSEs and A levels. The latter will have a new A* grade to help distinguish the very best exam candidates. But the head of the Association of School and College Leaders, has warned that too much change is happening all at once.
The rise in the leaving age is part of a previously announced government policy to have pupils continue their education to the age of 18. This will take effect for school leavers from 2015.As an interim step the age will rise to 17 from 2013 - the year in which those pupils starting secondary level education this week would otherwise have expected to be able to leave school. The change will not mean that pupils have to stay in the classroom, but they will have to continue to receive training. The changes have been introduced because ministers estimate there are some 200,000 young people aged between 16 and 18 who are not in education or training. The government says this is unacceptable if the UK is to successfully compete in global business markets.