PETITIONClosedPetition · petition.parliament.uk
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.
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk
Signatures
41
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 41/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 41/100,000
Background
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.