Closed petition Allow children 16+ to work full time instead of mandatory education

Under the Education and Skills Act 2008, school leavers must either go to college, do an apprenticeship/traineeship or part time work & education. I believe the law should change so that young people can legally work full time instead of having to go back into education after turning 16.

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As a young person myself, I work a well-paid job. I also contribute to National Insurance payments which helps the NHS, schools, etc. I would prefer to work for a year or two, building up experience in my sector, instead of having to go back into college or do an apprenticeship that I don't want to do.

This petition is closed All petitions run for 6 months

41 signatures

Progress of the petition towards its next target: 41 of 10,000 signatures required to get a government response

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10,000 signatures required to get a government response

Date closed 30 January 2026
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