Nearly 1,000 will be forced to stay in school after 16 every year in Oldham Borough.

2.36.57pm GMT Fri 5th Sep 2008

Elwyn Watkins (centre) with Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg MP visiting Oldham College in March 2008

New government plans, which will make it a legal requirement for young people to stay in school until they are 17, will lead to almost 1,000 Oldham Borough children being forced to remain in school every year.

"Lots of people at 16 are fed up with school and formal education," says Liberal Democrat Oldham East & Saddleworth Parliamentary Spokesperson Elwyn Watkins.

"Forcing them to stay in school when it is not right for them is a waste of time and money for both them, the government and the taxpayer. Staying on at school is not right for all children, some of whom would be better off getting into work."

Elwyn added, "If some children have left school after 11 years without any qualifications, I am not sure that spending an extra 12 months is going to improve matters. The real question is: why are some of our children leaving school after 11 years without any qualifications?

"This scheme will cost millions but will not achieve a great deal. There are excellent vocational courses at Oldham College, but kids should go there because they want to, not because they are forced to."