Compulsory school age

Glossary

In England and Wales:

A child begins to be of compulsory school age on the start date of the term following his fifth birthday, or that day if his fifth birthday falls on the day term starts.
A child ceases to be of compulsory school age on the last Friday in June in the academic year in which he reaches the age of 16 or if he reaches 16 after the last Friday in June but before the start of the new school year.

(Section 8, Education Act 1996.)

In Scotland:

A person is of school age if they have attained the age of five years and has not attained the age of sixteen years.

(Section 31, Education (Scotland) Act 1980.)

End of Document

Resource ID 9-386-0356

Maintained

Resource Type Glossary

Jurisdictions