GOVERNMENT plans to raise the school-leaving age from 16 to 18 have been broadly welcomed in Essex, even by those who will be in the front line - the teachers.
The main concern is schools will have to carry the most disruptive pupils for an extra two years, rather than heaving a sigh of relief when a trouble-maker's 16th birthday arrives. In practice, that is unlikely to be a problem.
The Government has clearly identified its target. The new school leaving age will apply extra pressure on the Neets, those not in education, employment or training.
The mere thought of having to carry on at school could galvanise any Neet into getting off the dole and finding an alternative in the shape of a job or a college course.
If they persist in dropping out, they will, under the new rules, be committing a crime.
The main impact of this quite cunning strategy will be felt not by the schools, but by those who will do anything to stay away from school.
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