What consideration has the Welsh Government given to increasing the age limit for those in compulsory education from 16 to 18?
Increasing participation in post-16 education and training is a priority for the Welsh Government. We are investing an additional £96.5m (£70.2m resource and £26.3m capital) in the education system as a whole in 2025-26. This includes a further £1.5m for interventions directly targeting participation. This investment in education at every level puts in place firm foundations for increasing participation in tertiary education.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have recently published a report, ‘What Shapes Pathways and Transitions?’ which provides a comparative perspective on learners’ pathways through 14 to 19 education in Wales compared to other OECD countries. We will be using the findings and insights from this report to inform future policy development on 16 to 19 education in Wales.