The commission established by Edge and supported by the Select Committee for Children, Schools and Families, found that while 58 per cent of young people are in favour of raising the participation age to 18 (31 per cent against), changes need to be made to ensure the education system brings out the best in students.

According to the report, the current emphasis on testing is not the best measure of educational success – nearly eight in ten (78 per cent) young people say too much pressure and importance is placed on exam results. Forty two per cent say they would prefer a mix of exams, coursework and practical evaluation to express their talents while assessment through coursework is the preferred method for 20 per cent.

As well as a fairer assessment model, there are other conditions attached to young people’s support for the raise in participation age planned for 2013 including academic, practical and vocational learning. The main change that would influence their decision to stay in education until 18 is more choice about what they learn (32 per cent), followed by a greater say in how they learn (18 per cent).

And while currently the majority of young people’s time is spent in the classroom, having offsite learning experiences is important for two thirds (64 per cent) who said they learn best outside the classroom, for example educational visits. Half (51 per cent) cite social trips or social experiences as the most enjoyable aspect of their education, including going to the theatre to bring literacy to life.

The young people polled also recognise they have different learning styles – and many are calling for more practical learning as a result. Fifty per cent say they want more practical and creative strands to their education and 48 per cent state they learn best practically.

And although young people call for more practical and vocational learning, eight in ten would still like their learning path to result in a place at university in order to achieve their goals.

Rose Dowling from the Edge Learner Forum who conducted the research said:
“The Government’s plan to increase the participation age is widely recognised to be a good idea but it’s vital that those extra two years in education are of benefit to all young people and that no one is left behind. The feedback from some young people is that many of them have already been turned off education and they are seriously concerned about more of the same. Their message adds volume to Edge’s call for a revolution in education to make sure every young person’s talents, whatever they happen to be, are recognised and nurtured.

“We’ve seen that practical and vocational learning motivates young people, so there needs to be more choice in both what and how they learn. Students should have access to many paths to success, including Diplomas, apprenticeships and traditional academic study.”

The Youth Commission sets out a series of solutions to the problems raised within the report and how the Edge Learner Forum intends to take them forward:
1) Overhaul careers advice
2) Make the most of the power of teachers
3) Promote pride in vocational learning
4) More practical options, more flexibility
5) Use financial support to raise success
6) Raising the Participation age has to be done with young people, not to them