The 2013/2014 school year will be the first year that pupils must stay in education until the age of 17 as opposed to 16, in a raising of the Required Participation Age (RPA).
In this added year, students aren't necessarily forced to go to school though. A choice is available whether they wish to remain in full time education, enrol in an apprenticeship, or complete part time education if in employment.
The statistics for 16-18 year olds choosing to undertake academic study are, as Verity O’Keefe points out, much higher in the UK than many other countries. 69% choose the academic route, while only 31% go for vocational education.
O'Keefe believes that, although a lot of young people decide to stay in a school environment, the expanding of the Required Participation Age (RPA) is actually an opportunity for employers to take advantage of a young talent pool.
Where in the past, 16 year olds may have chosen to leave education and find a job, giving them the option of taking an apprenticeship may encourage them to take a different route into employment. O'Keefe also suggests that manufacturers are keen to take young people on through vocational training:
“Two-thirds of manufacturers we surveyed said they currently offer apprenticeships and three-quarters specifically target the 16 to 18 cohort”.
Take a look at the article; there are some interesting points and ideas about how the RPA increase is a good thing for employers in industry.
Source: Raising The School Leavers Age | CIPD