Money drives pupils to leave school, research claims

Money is the main reasons why young people drop out of education and training at 16, a new study has claimed.

Research conducted on behalf of the Learning & Skills Council, found that over half (54%) of adults who dropped out of education at 16 did so because they wanted to earn money.

More than a quarter (26%) said that they left school because they felt they couldn’t afford to stay on, while 21% said that they couldn’t remain in education because their parents wouldn’t support them. A third of those surveyed (34%) said that they left because they were fed up with school.

However, over a quarter of adults (26%) who had dropped out at 16 said they believed that they would be in a more fulfilling job if they had completed further education or training, while a third (34%) believed they would be earning a higher salary.

The LSC is warning teenagers against dropping out of education, in order to earn money. The council cited research, which found that those with further education, such as GNVQs and A-Levels, earned more than £4,000 per year, compared to those with few or no GCSEs.

Ruth Bullen, Deputy Director of Young People’s Learning at the LSC, said that she hoped the findings would encourage young people to remain in education. She said: “We are urging all young people who are stuck in dead-end jobs or who are thinking about leaving school at 16 to rethink their options. There are now a whole host of routes available to young people including apprenticeships and vocational courses.

“Financial support is also available in the form of an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMAs) – which pays young people to stay on in education.

“By staying on at school or college at 16 young people will set themselves up for life, they will earn more money and are more likely to enjoy the work they do – and ultimately be able to create a better future for themselves.”

Skills Minister Phil Hope said: “From April next year we are extending EMAs to young people who want to learn in LSC funded unwaged training programmes. At the same time, we are extending Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit to their parents and carers in recognition of their need for parental support whilst in learning. This will ensure that these learners receive the same package of support that is available to those in full time education.

“All young people must have the support and incentives they need to participate in education and training beyond 16 and develop their talents to the full."

YouGov conducted the survey, involving over 2,000 adults, in August.

(KMcA/SP)