Working 'best option' after GCSEs, says teen

In 2024, 15% of States' school students went into employment or an apprenticeship

A 16-year-old who collected his GCSEs said he felt the working world was the best option for him, instead of continuing to study.

Lennon White, from Guernsey, is due to start his new role at a local finance company soon.

He said when he started secondary school he thought he would continue with education "but getting older, going through school, I've realised that you don't really need Sixth Form as much as you think".

Chris Gnapp, managing director at Leapfrog Recruitment, said "more and more now we're seeing people go into the financial services or trainee roles within trades". In 2024, 15% of students in States' schools went in to employment or an apprenticeship.

Over the past five years, three students from Elizabeth College went in to employment or an apprenticeship, and one pupil from Ladies College.

Lennon will still be attending courses and doing exams as part of his new role.

He said: "I did a few work experiences, and then I just realised finance or work was what I wanted.

"I can basically do my own thing now that I'm making my own money, got my own job, I can be myself."

The school leaving age for children in Guernsey and Alderney is 16.

Chris Gnapp said finance was a popular career choice for young people

In England, you must stay in full-time education, for example at a college or start an apprenticeship, or spend at least 20 hours a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training until you are 18.

Deputy Paul Montague, the President of the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture, said “it is definitely something” the committee “will need to review”.

“Don’t forget we were much later than the UK in raising the school leaving age from 15 to 16 and so kilter with this as well”.

Montague added that before any changes were made a “thorough analysis” needed to be done.

Mr Gnapp said "wanting to get money and kick-start on your career" are some of the main reasons 16 year olds go into employment.

He mentioned most roles at that age offered some training and courses and "it's not necessarily the end of learning for them".