Hackney students will have to spend more time in the classroom after plans to raise the school leaving age were approved on Wednesday...

Hackney students will have to spend more time in the classroom after plans to raise the school leaving age were approved on Wednesday.

From 2013 all young people will have to legally stay in education and training until the age of 17.

Two years later the requirement to stay in full time education, study or train part time if they are employed or take up a work-based learning scheme such as an apprenticeship will be extended to 18 year olds.

At the moment, 80 per cent of 16-18 year olds in Hackney take part in some form of education and training.

FOR THE FULL STORY SEE THIS WEEK'S GAZETTE AVAILABLE FROM THURSDAY.