Ref. 30037-31A SWINDON education leader has criticised a scheme to pay sixth-formers £30-a-week to stay on at school.

From September more than half of all 16-year-olds will be entitled to the mean-tested handout, which could be nearly £3,000 a year.

But Coun Garry Perkins (Con, Shaw and Nine Elms), Swindon Council's lead member for education, believes it is merely a Government gimmick, designed to sway attention from the real issues of under-funding affecting schools nationwide.

He said: "What is the Government going to do next, pay five-year-olds a couple of quid each week?

"Education has its own rewards and I do not think that we should be bribing our pupils to stay on at school when many would be better off leaving and becoming blue-collar workers."

Those with a household income of less than £19,630 will be entitled to the full amount, with this falling to £20-a-week between £19,630 and £24,030, and £10-a-week for incomes between £24,030 and £30,000.

The Government, supported by teaching unions, claims the "earn as you learn" policy will encourage children from poorer backgrounds to carry on through the education system.

But Mr Perkins said that they have got it wrong.

"If children want to stay on in education they should get part time jobs such as paper rounds," he said.

"When I was at college I worked in a hotel at the weekends.

"I do not want my tax money being used to fund youngster's Friday nights out on the town and I am sure a lot of other people will agree.

"I would have no problem if the money will be spent on books but it won't be. It will be used to buy beer.

"This scheme has not been properly thought out. It is similar to the scheme Tony Blair launched to fine parents who take their children on holiday during term time. In reality, it will not work."

Mr Perkins said that the money set aside for the scheme should be ploughed directly into the education system.

"Swindon's education system desperately needs more cash. The Government would be far better off investing that cash in teachers and other education provisions."

Mr Perkins said the move would only worsen the shortage of skilled workers.

"I have come across a lot of people with degrees who are working as waiters," he said.

"Just because you have passed a few exams and ticked a few boxes, it doesn't mean that you are in an ideal position to take your place in society.

"If the Government is to run schemes such as this, there needs to be jobs and other provisions running parallel to them.

"Meanwhile this country is having to import skills to fill the shortage."

Ian Hill, Swindon secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said people should give it a chance.

"One of the attractions of getting a job at 16-years-old is the money and independence that it brings," he said.

"If it's going to encourage youngsters to stay on then surely it's a good thing."

David Williams, headteacher of Kingsdown School, agreed.

He said: "Often pupils will go for the quick buck and opt to go straight into work.

"If this will encourage them to stay on into further education then it could be a good thing."

The scheme certainly has Alex Bright's seal of the approval.

The Year 11 pupil at the Stratton school, said: "I think it will encourage more people to stay in education.

"It's not bribery because you still have to be dedicated."

Alex, 16, who is planning to study A-Levels in music, technology, media studies and English, added that he would probably spend his money on CDs.

Kevin Shoesmith