when was school leaving age raised to 16
1 September 1972
Raising of school leaving age in England and Wales
 On 1 September 1972, the age was raised from 15 to 16, after preparations which had begun in 1964
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Raising of school leaving age in England and Wales [SEP] Introduction
The raising of school leaving age (shortened to ROSLA) is the term used by the government for changes of the age at which a child is allowed to leave compulsory education in England and Wales as specified under an Education Act. In England and Wales this age has been raised on several occasions since the introduction of compulsory education in 1870. Many of the increases in the 19th and 20th centuries were intended to generate more skilled labour by giving more time for students to gain skills and qualifications. On 1 September 1972, the age was raised from 15 to 16, after preparations which had begun in 1964.