Compulsary school age
The Children and Families Act 2014 sets out many of the legal protections and rights for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Some of these rights relate to those below, at, or over compulsory school age.
Children must start full-time education once they reach compulsory school age. This is on 31 December, 31 March or 31 August following their 5th birthday - whichever comes first. If their 5th birthday is on one of those dates then they reach compulsory school age on that date.
- For example, if a child turns 5 on 10 February 2024 they will reach compulsory school age on 31 March 2024. They must start full-time education at the beginning of the next term (Summer term 2024).
Compulsory school age ends on the last Friday in June which falls in the academic year in which they turn 16.
- For example, for a child born on 23 September 2006 compulsory school age will end on 30 June 2023.
They must then do one of the following until aged 18 years:
- stay in full-time education
- start an apprenticeship or traineeship
- spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training