Everyone should stay at school until 18. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

There is a body of opinion which advocates that all youngsters should stay on at

school

until they are 18. I agree with

this

view, despite the arguments for leaving

school

at an earlier age. There are two important arguments in favour of quitting

school

before the age of 18.

Firstly

, in some countries continuing

school

until 18 is simply a preparation for entering higher education. There may be a lack of vocational courses to prepare young people to acquire experience and skills to enter trades

such

as electricians, car mechanics or professions

such

as nursing. Those who are not intending to pursue an academic career may fall behind with their studies or even disrupt lessons.

Secondly

, family background must be considered. In poor families, young people must leave

school

and start to earn money to contribute to the family income. Not all families can afford to let the children stay on at

school

until 18.

However

, in spite of these objections, I concur with those who believe in compulsory education until 18. The provision of a wide range of courses would make learning meaningful, so that all young people could put the knowledge gained at

school

into practice. The global economy now demands high skill levels, and educational qualifications are essential if youngsters are to have good job prospects and to pursue a successful career. In financial terms, national and local authorities must provide funding for poor families to maintain children at

school

. Children are the shapers of a nation’s tomorrow, so all must have the chance to make the grade by benefitting from the best possible education during their formative years. In conclusion, I would argue that staying at

school

up to the age of 18 would be of enormous benefit to all youngsters.