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New secondary pupils will stay until 17

03/09/2008

Change is afoot in the education system, with pupils starting secondary school today the first facing compulsory education until they are 17.

From 2013 the leaving age will be increased from its current post-GCSE level before being raised even further to 18 years, in 2015.

The move is planned by the government in the coming education and skills bill, expected for the next parliamentary session.

As pupils return after the summer break vocational diplomas will be taught in nearly three-quarters of schools and the vast majority of colleges.

Specialist diplomas will also be developed as an alternative to A-levels. Exam and university admission chiefs plan on making the highest-level diplomas equivalent to 3.5 A-levels or 420 tariff points.

The first diplomas will be offered in subjects like environmental and land-based studies, business, administration and finance.