Compulsory school age
The ages between which a child must receive full-time education. In England and Wales it starts from the term after a child's fifth birthday (Northern Ireland and Scotland start earlier and have their own rules) and runs to the end of the school year in which the child turns 16; the exact leaving date differs by nation.
- Used in
- All four UK nations (details may differ)
- Topic
- Policy and law
Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.
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Related terms
- Raising of the participation age (RPA) England
- The rule in England that young people must stay in education or training until their 18th birthday, either full-time study, an apprenticeship or traineeship, or part-time study alongside work or volunteering.
- School starting age All four UK nations (details may differ) United States International
- The age at which children begin school; in the UK this is typically 4 or 5, earlier than in most countries.
More terms: Policy and law
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Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.