Fifteen Plus

First published in 1970, Fifteen Plus is the story of the Avondale Project, believed to be the first experiment in counselling for fifteen-year-old school leavers attempted in Britain, and which, after seven years of work using new methods, became the Young People’s Advisory Service of the Inner London Education Authority. Emulated since by many schools, it is a classic example of voluntary effort pioneering a new way to meet a social need. The book describes the difficulties encountered in gaining recognition for an idea which did not fit into the accepted pattern of education. It draws attention to the plight of many fifteen-year-olds who, owing to lack of academic ability or the absence of parental support, are made to feel rejected by society even before they leave school.

Fifteen plus tells the story of school leavers in one of London’s twilight areas. It tells of a way of working with young people before and after leaving school, which the author and many others believe could help prevent delinquency and enable numerous boys and girls to achieve a more mature approach to life and greater happiness.