Britain may raise school-leaving age

LONDON, March 22 (UPI) -- British Education Secretary Alan Johnson proposes requiring teenagers to remain in school or training for work until they turn 18.

In a Green Paper released Thursday, Johnson said teens who drop out should face criminal penalties, including fines and community service, The Times of London reported. Johnson said the percentage of 16- and 17-year-olds who have left school and are not in training has increased in the past 10 years from 7 percent to 9 percent.

Johnson also proposes raising the school-leaving age to 18, the first increase in 35 years.

"Those young people who continue in education or training for longer earn more and are less likely to be involved in anti-social behavior," Johnson said. "Often those that drop out are those with the most to gain from continuing to learn and gain useful skills."

Under Johnson's plan, the school leaving age would increase to 17 in 2013 and 18 in 2015. The number of apprenticeships would also be increased so that every teenager who applies would be guaranteed a place.