Early school leaving (ESL) is a complex problem faced by the EU countries in the 21st century and has visible effects on students’ personal and professional development.

Considering the possible adverse effects of ESL both at personal and societal levels the European Commission has freshen up as a key target the reduction of ESL to less than 10% by 2020 for education and training, following a previous policy from 2003 that aimed the reduction to 10% by 2010.