Young people will be required to stay in school, training or workplace training until the age of 18.
The Department for Education and Skills has confirmed plans to raise the school leaving age in England by 2013.
This will not mean that pupils have to stay in the classroom or continue with academic lessons - but they will have to continue to receive training.
It would mean raising the leaving age for the first time since 1972, when it was raised to the present 16 years old.
The proposals would seek to tackle the problem of young people leaving education without qualifications or workplace skills.
Despite repeated efforts to tackle this stubborn problem - the most recent figures for England showed that 11% of 16 to 18 year olds are still outside education, training or work.
more BBC NEWS | UK | Education | School leaving age set to be 18
The Department for Education and Skills has confirmed plans to raise the school leaving age in England by 2013.
This will not mean that pupils have to stay in the classroom or continue with academic lessons - but they will have to continue to receive training.
It would mean raising the leaving age for the first time since 1972, when it was raised to the present 16 years old.
The proposals would seek to tackle the problem of young people leaving education without qualifications or workplace skills.
Despite repeated efforts to tackle this stubborn problem - the most recent figures for England showed that 11% of 16 to 18 year olds are still outside education, training or work.
more BBC NEWS | UK | Education | School leaving age set to be 18