The minimum age for leaving school in Scotland should be lowered from 16 to 14, according to plans being proposed by the Scottish Conservatives.
Party leader Russell Findlay said the “bold idea” would allow teenagers to escape a “system that isn’t working for them” and instead pursue a “hybrid education” by going on to college or taking up an apprenticeship.
The MSP for West Scotland will use a speech during Apprenticeship Week on Wednesday to propose the policy.
He said: “My party is putting forward a common sense agenda for change.
“This is not about writing off these young people. It is the very opposite of that.
“It is about guiding each individual onto the path best suited to their aspirations.
“It is about giving young people an opportunity to continue in a form of hybrid education that is better suited to their talents.
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“Upon leaving school at 15, maybe even 14, they would still be required to stay in education.
“But it would be a form of education that works for them. A fast track to opportunity, whether college or an apprenticeship.
“By developing our proposal hand in hand with businesses, we could make Scotland’s economy fit for the future.”
If implemented, the school leaving age of 14 would be one of the lowest in Europe.
In response, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth described the proposal – which was previously championed by the Scottish Tories in 2011 – as “Dickensian”.
She added: “The Tories should say what they mean – they want to see working class children leave school at 14 and leave academic pursuits to the middle and upper class. That is not an approach this government will agree with.
“We will continue to take action to ensure every child in Scotland no matter their background has the opportunity to succeed in whatever path they choose.
“The last time the school leaving age was changed to 14 was over a century ago.
“Tory values may be rooted in the Victorian era – but we will not allow them to drag our education system into a bygone age with this Dickensian policy.
“As ever, what is common sense to the Tories makes no sense to anyone else.”
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The Scottish Tories’ proposal comes amid a call by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to set aside time in class for pupils to learn about apprenticeships to improve minority ethnic participation.
The skills body has made 20 recommendations to the Scottish government and employers in a report published to coincide with Apprenticeship Week.
According to the latest data, 4.5% of those starting apprenticeships in 2023/24 reported being from an ethnic minority, while the proportion in the population sits at 7.1%, according to the 2022 census results.
Recommendations to Holyrood include ensuring schools give “equal weighting” to apprenticeships as positive destinations, while recommendations to employers include implementing anti-racism frameworks, paying the Living Wage and signing up to Fair Work practices.
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Schools are also being urged to ensure dedicated time is allocated in the curriculum for learning about apprenticeship opportunities, as well as provide support with the application process.
A Scottish government spokesperson said: “The Scottish government recognises the importance of improving ethnic minority representation in apprenticeships, which is why ministers welcome the report and the detailed recommendations made by the Race Commission.
“We will now consider how these recommendations can be embedded in the skills system as we take forward our reform work.”
