Scottish Conservatives Propose Lowering School Leaving Age to 14

The plan aims to introduce hybrid education options like apprenticeships and college, but critics warn of potential harm to disadvantaged students.

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has proposed reducing the school leaving age from 16 to 14, aiming to provide alternative education pathways for students unsuited to traditional academics.
The proposal includes options for hybrid education, such as apprenticeships or college programs, designed to address skills gaps and strengthen Scotland's workforce.
Critics, including Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth, argue the plan disproportionately affects working-class children and risks limiting their future opportunities.
The proposal has been labeled as 'Victorian' by opponents, who claim it reflects outdated values and could consign disadvantaged youth to low-paying jobs or inadequate training schemes.
If implemented, Scotland would have the lowest school leaving age in Europe, a move that has sparked debates about its potential economic and social consequences.