<P> There are several reasons why the government may wish to increase the school leaving age , considering it has raised the age numerous times over the 19th and 20th centuries , the last time being in 2015 . With past age raisings , the reasons given have been focused mainly on generating more skilled labour by providing additional time for students to gain additional skills and qualifications . In recent years , it became apparent that most 16 to 18 year - olds have not been motivated to continue their education after completion of their GCSEs , thus increasing the overall unemployment rate given many are unable to find work . The British government hoped that by making education compulsory up to the age of 17 by 2013 and 18 by 2015 , it could change this . </P>
<P> There are several reasons why the government may wish to increase the school leaving age , considering it has raised the age numerous times over the 19th and 20th centuries , the last time being in 2015 . With past age raisings , the reasons given have been focused mainly on generating more skilled labour by providing additional time for students to gain additional skills and qualifications . In recent years , it became apparent that most 16 to 18 year - olds have not been motivated to continue their education after completion of their GCSEs , thus increasing the overall unemployment rate given many are unable to find work . The British government hoped that by making education compulsory up to the age of 17 by 2013 and 18 by 2015 , it could change this . </P>
when was the school leaving age raised to 18
when was the school leaving age raised to 18
2015
2015