when did the school leaving age rise to 18
Raising of school leaving age in England and Wales There are several reasons why the government may wish to increase the school leaving age, considering it has raised the age numerous times over the 19th and 20th centuries, the last time being in 2015. With past age raisings, the reasons given have been focused mainly on generating more skilled labour by providing additional time for students to gain additional skills and qualifications. In recent years, it became apparent that most 16 to 18 year-olds have not been motivated to continue their education after completion of their GCSEs, thus increasing the overall unemployment rate given many are unable to find work.[1] The British government hoped that by making education compulsory up to the age of 17 by 2013 and 18 by 2015,[2] it could change this.[3]
Twelfth grade The twelfth grade is the twelfth school year after kindergarten. It is also the last year of compulsory secondary education, or "high school". Students often enter the grade as 17- and 18-year-olds and graduate as mostly 17 or 18-year-olds. Twelfth graders are referred to as Seniors.[citation needed]