UK shadow education secretary Stephen Twigg last week suggested that lengthening the school day may be a good way of preparing youngsters for the world of work.

In lengthening the school day, young people are getting a better perspective of the expectations upon them following the transition from school to the workplace- Shadow education secretary Stephen Twigg

Speaking at the North of England Education Conference, Mr Twigg said a number of schools had taken up the initiative and it appeared to have positive results.

He said he was keen to explore school-led initiatives as he announced a review into education and the world of work.

Labour’s School to Work review will take evidence from teachers, parents, businesses and universities, and will look at international best practice to consider how “we maintain our economic competitiveness, and support future growth”. He referred to a recent study by the CBI which revealed that employers believe the school to work transition is not working.

The research found that of employers surveyed, the proportion of their workforce that left school at 16 that was “poorly or very poorly prepared for the work place” was just under a third.

“In lengthening the school day, young people are getting a better perspective of the expectations upon them following the transition from school to the workplace,” he said. “I am interested in exploring school-led initiatives such as this,” he told the delegates in Leeds.

He said for many pupils it would mean getting used to a work-like timetable and would provide a haven away from sometimes chaotic and troublesome home lives.

He said numerous studies revealed that gang activity is most prevalent in the hours immediately after schools close, and providing longer school-based activities may prevent some from getting into trouble.

Picking up on the issue in a question and answer session he did not specify particular hours for schools to adopt, but suggested a “later finish rather than an early start may be a sensible option”.