Youngsters should be allowed to leave school before they are 16 to find a more suitable education path and reduce skills shortages in the economy, says Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay.

In a speech to a think tank in Edinburgh on Wednesday, Mr Findlay will say that lowering the school leaving age would help those who find the school system not working for them.

He says “fast-tracking” students into apprentices or college places would boost skills of young people who otherwise risk being left behind.

“We are the only party at Holyrood who sincerely want to overhaul Scottish education. I want to propose a bold idea that I think deserves serious consideration and debate. A proposal that could transform opportunities for those young people who are being left behind.”

He adds: “Too many young people become trapped in a system that isn’t working for them. Even worse, far too many exit from it altogether.

“This is not about writing off these young people. It is the very opposite of that. It is about guiding each individual onto the path best suited to their aspirations.

“It is about giving young people an opportunity to continue in a form of hybrid education that is better suited to their talents.”

Mr Findlay says that when they leave school at 15, or even 14, they would be required to stay in education – but in a form of education that works for them.

“A fast track to opportunity, whether college or an apprenticeship. By developing our proposal hand in hand with businesses, we could make Scotland’s economy fit for the future.”

Later, Mr Findlay will be joined by the party’s shadow education secretary, Miles Briggs on a tour of an apprenticeship programme in East Lothian.