More than half of those who left school aged 16 regret their decision later in life, a survey has discovered.
A third of young adults, who dropped out after GCSEs, realised that going back to the classroom was the only route into the job they wanted to do.
Twenty-nine per cent returned to school to enable them to earn more money in the future.
Two fifths of people who left school at 16 returned to school or college after taking time out from learning, according to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) survey.
The LSC research also found that those who leave school without any qualifications earn up to £4,000 less on average a year than their more qualified peers.
The survey, which questioned 1,110 adults aged 18 and over, revealed that 30 per cent of drop-outs at the age of 16 return to education or training within a year, while six in 10 return within five years.
Julia Dowd, director of young people's learning at the LSC, said that she hoped the study findings would encourage young people to think more seriously about their options.
"Our research shows that while time out from learning can be beneficial, it is essential that young people do return to college or school to get the minimum level of qualifications," she said.
Phil Hope, Skills Minister: "It is vital that all young people gain the essential skills and qualifications so that they are better prepared for getting on and success in life."
"By getting five good GCSEs, or a Level 2 diploma, they are more likely to be in a good job with prospects and a good wage.
"We know this because the vast majority of employers we questioned think it is essential for job applicants to have the basic set of qualifications (five good GCSEs or a Level 2 diploma) before applying for a job."
A third of respondents said they gained valuable life skills in their time out, while a quarter felt that having a break better prepared them to continue with education and training in the future.
Skills Minister Phil Hope added: "It is vital that all young people gain the essential skills and qualifications so that they are better prepared for getting on and success in life.
"The good news is that there has never been so many ways to achieve this minimum level of qualifications.
"After young people leave compulsory education at 16, they can study a huge variety of courses at college, school or in the workplace.
"It is never too late to return to learning and change your future for the better."
Earlier this month, the Department for Education and Skills announced plans to raise the school leaving age in England to 18 by 2013.
comments
Schools are very important and so is education. People should stay in education so they can build a brighter future for themselves. There is a huge gap between the educated and the non-educated and it’s not very nice.
23rd January 2007 at 3:42pm
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