Our proposals would not introduce compulsory education, but compulsory participation in some form of learning—young people will be able to participate in education, training, or a combination of employment and training.
The estimated costs and benefits of raising the participation age are set out in the Impact Assessment published alongside the Education and Skills Bill on 29 November. Annual costs were estimated at £774 million per cohort of young people, but recurring net benefits were estimated at around £1,626 million.
Costs will continue to be reviewed and revised estimates will be published on the website. The Impact Assessment can be accessed at:
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/publications/educationandskills/docs/lmpact_Assessment_Education_and_Skills_Bill.pdf and I have placed a copy in the House Library.