Pupils allowed to leave school early

The education authorities have this scholastic year given permission to 243 pupils to leave school before reaching 16 years of age and before completing secondary school, Education Minister Louis Galea told Mr Carmelo Abela (MLP) in reply to a parliamentary question yesterday. The reason given was "work."

The minister said 123 of the pupils were boys.

Of the total number, 215 were in state schools, 26 were in church schools and two in independent schools.

The minister said a further 20 students were allowed to leave school after they completed their course.