In England the education system is structured differently. Students are not allowed to drop out although compulsory attendance ends at age 16 after the GCSE exams. OFSTED inspectors are utilized to test the proficiency of teachers and they actually come into the classrooms to observe. They also select a pupil’s name at random and samples of their work are sent away, this is in order to prevent the teacher from sending in the work of the star pupil.
After school ends the students have the option to continue their education with two years of college and four years of university if they choose; in addition they can get an apprenticeship or a job. Apprenticeships would work very well for those who would like an alternative to college while securing a future with a highly skilled job that pays above minimum wage.
Learning a trade like plumbing is an investment as people will always need them. Similarly an apprenticeship with an electrician or engineer will set up a young person in a career while they are still at an age where it is appropriate for them to live at home and they do not have to pay rent or bills. Think of it this way the teenager is learning on the job and getting a free education while the business owners get free labor there is a feedback loop. The apprentice still has the opportunity to take a part time job to earn some money in the meantime A private sector initiative like this enables young adults to hit the ground running after leaving home and puts them on a path to financial security.
There are a lot of people who are struggling under the debt of student loans and with the costs steadily rising perhaps it’s time to take a look at this.