Scottish Conservatives call to lower school leaving age to 14

The Scottish Conservative party has proposed lowering the school leaving age to 14, claiming it could create better opportunities for young people who feel stuck in the current system.

Leader Russell Findlay will outline the policy during Apprenticeship Week, arguing that Scotland’s long-standing school leaving age of 16 is failing some students.

Instead, under the Tory plan, pupils could leave school earlier but would be required to continue their education through college or an apprenticeship.

Speaking to a think tank on Wednesday, Mr Findlay is expected to say the move would “transform opportunities for those young people who are being left behind.”

“Too many young people become trapped in a system that isn’t working for them,” he will say. “This is about guiding each individual onto the path best suited to their aspirations, whether that’s college or a fast-track apprenticeship.”

The proposal, which Mr Findlay says will be developed in partnership with businesses, aims to make Scotland’s economy “fit for the future.”

Following his speech, Mr Findlay and education spokesman Miles Briggs will visit an apprenticeship programme to highlight the benefits of alternative education routes.

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