The Scottish Conservatives have made a radical suggestion to overhaul the education system in Scotland.
The party has suggested that by lowering the school leaving age Scotland could offer more opportunities to the country’s young people. The party says the new education policy would also help to grow Scotland’s economy.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay will make a speech on Wednesday when he will say: “My party is putting forward a common-sense agenda for change.
“We are the only party at Holyrood who sincerely want to overhaul Scottish education. I want to propose a bold idea that I think deserves serious consideration and debate. A proposal that could transform opportunities for those young people who are being left behind.
“For decades, Scotland’s minimum school leaving age has been 16. Too many young people become trapped in a system that isn’t working for them, and even worse, far too many exit from it altogether. 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. 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.”
Mr Findlay will be joined by his colleague, Lothians MSP and party education spokesperson, Miles Briggs MSP, on a tour of a successful apprenticeship programme being conducted in East Lothian on Wednesday afternoon.
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