Statement from the Commissioner on extending the right to education and training to the age of 18

“I welcome moves to extend the right to education and training to the age of 18; however, this should not be compulsory.

A more nuanced approach, reflecting the specific needs, preferences and barriers faced by different groups of young people is required. International evidence indicates that a compulsory approach is likely to have minimal impact on the pupils who are the most disengaged from education, and that alternative, targeted measures may be of greater value.

Fundamentally, the best interests of the child should be paramount, and appropriate support, resources, and wider reform is required to ensure a range of high-quality pathways are available and accessible to all. Children aged over 16 must have a range of appropriate options outside mainstream education available to them, including good quality apprenticeships that are government supported and that pay adequately.

We must consider how to best support all children and young people, moving away from a system that determines success purely on five GCSEs towards one that prioritises the wellbeing of our children.

There is a need for the Department of Education and the Department for the Economy to work together with voluntary sector providers and recognise non-formal education programmes, training, and overseas experiences as viable post-16 education avenues. These opportunities can be life changing and should be further invested in.

It is important to note that the Independent Review of Education made a number of recommendations, including the need for pre-vocational pathways to be introduced from 14 years – and clearly stating that measuring success other than attainment at 16 or 18 years is required.

The review also recommends redirecting focus to the early years, championing emotional health and wellbeing, as well identifying failings in the provision of services for children with special educational needs, saying that thorough reform is urgently required.

I, therefore, now look forward to carefully considering the Education Minister’s full response to the review.”