General   (General discussion, talk about anything.)

xrh59 - yes, if you opt out of the state provided education system, even catholic schools are classed as private.

I think the bottom line comes down to why force anybody to stay at school if they don't want to be there? Here they are bringing in a system where kids have to either stay in education or get a job. Not just get out of school and go straight on the dole. If you don't work they cut your benefits. Hope it works. They should at least have to do some volunteer community work.

Some smart ass will probably find a way around keeping people in school until 18. Human Rights, Geneva Convention, whatever.