As of September 2015, students who are looking to leave school at the age of 16 will have to stay in some sort of education until they are 18. This has been quite a big change in the education industry and is supposed to help students get the grades and education they need to go on and get a job. Students are allowed to leave school before they are 18 but they will either have to go to college or take up an apprenticeship or spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training.
Research has shown that pupils that stay in education up until they are 18 are more likely to get a better paid job than someone that leaves at the age of 16. It also shows that they are less likely to get in trouble with the law and involved in crime.
Education, especially in a school or college situation, may not be right for everyone. You need to work out what is right for you and if you are eager to start working then an apprenticeship may be better suited to your personal circumstances.