Holyrood election: Lower school leaving age among Tory education plans

Published on Monday 4 April 2011 13:45

CHILDREN would be able to leave school to learn a trade at 14 under plans outlined in the Scottish Conservative manifesto, which was launched today.

The proposal, unveiled in the run-up to the May 5 Holyrood election at the Glasgow Science Centre, aims to foster opportunities for children who are "wasting their time" in school.

The opportunity to leave school at 14 would only be available to those in an apprenticeship or vocational programme.

The Scottish Conservatives were the first of the main Holyrood parties to launch their election manifesto.

Speaking at the launch, leader Annabel Goldie said: "To let every child get every possible opportunity, pupils should be free to leave school at 14 provided, and I stress provided, they engage in a monitored apprenticeship or a full-time vocational training programme to give them the necessary skills for the world of work."

Other key points in the document included:

• The re-introduction of prescription fees, which were abolished last week in Scotland.

• Freezing council tax until at least 2013.

• Pensioners would receive a 200 council tax discount.

• The re-introduction of sentences of less than three months and the end of automatic early release.

• A pledge to create 10,000 jobs by supporting Scottish businesses.

• A multi-million pound investment in high street regeneration.

• A graduate tax of 3600 for each year of education.

• 200m investment on road maintenance.

• Raise the age of free bus passes to 65.

• A freeze on public sector pay until April 2013 for those earning over 21,000.

• Read the Scottish Conservative manifesto (PDF)

The other main announcement in their education reforms is a graduate tax of 3600 on students for each year of education.

"Scottish universities have a fine tradition, a proud reputation but that can only continue if there are additional sources of funding.

"This issue has already set us apart from other parties in the campaign.

"I shall not be cowed and I shall not be silenced because the public deserves to hear the truth.

"The status quo is not tenable and the introduction of upfront tuition fees is unacceptable.

"Our proposed graduate contribution will be based on a university cost of 3,600.

"And we set a cap. At just 4,000."

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