PUPILS who drop out of education at 16 and refuse to go back will face criminal action and £50 fines under plans to raise the school leaving age.

Education Secretary Alan Johnson said all young people should stay in work-related training or education until their 18th birthday.

He published a Green Paper which would see the law change from 2015.

Mr Johnson said: "It is my goal that every young person is able to make the most of their education and training.

"I strongly believe that no young person should be outside of the education and training system before they reach their 18th birthday. We have a duty to prepare all young people for a labour market which will be radically different to the one their parents faced.

"Raising the age would go a long way towards meeting this challenge."

The Green Paper, Raising Expectations, said teenagers would be able to work more than 20 hours a week and take part-time courses, or they could stay on in full-time education. But in order to meet the new law, they must be working towards "accredited qualifications".

Sanctions

The document said ideally teenagers would take part voluntarily. But if they fail, they will be issued with an "attendance order". If breached, they would face sanctions.

These could include a court appearance, a fine or a community sentence.

Chris Keates, of teachers' union NASUWT, warned that changing the law would not change the attitudes of disillusioned teenagers.

She said: "The rationale and the vision underpinning the proposals are undoubtedly right.

"But perhaps the most significant challenge, particularly during the transition phase, will be that of enforcement.

"It is unlikely that a change in the law will change the minds and attitudes of youngsters who are disinclined to stay on now.

"This is a duty which should rest firmly with local authorities and not with individual schools."

Headteachers welcomed the plan but called for extra cash to make it work.

READ about the Raising Expectations proposals and submit your ideas at the website for the Department of Education and Skills.

DO you think sanctions are the way to enforce post-16 training and education? Have your say.