Queen's Speech 2008: Education
Wednesday, 3 December 2008 12:00 AM
"Improved local [education] services for children and parents" will be introduced by the government in the next term, according to the Queen's speech.
Children will remain in compulsory education until the age of 18.
By 2013, all 17-year-olds - and by 2015 all 18-year-olds - will participate in some form of education or training.
The bill, set up to raise standards, is said to be one of the most radical changes in education in 50 years.
A new bill will be introduced to "reform education training and apprenticeship" according to the Speech.
A national apprentice scheme will be created and new rights to skills training for adults will be introduced.
Around 25 million employees will get the right to request time off at work to undertake training.
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