School Attendance

The Law Says...

If you started Year 7 before August 2008 you are legally able to leave school on the last Friday in June of the school year during which you becomes 16.

If you started Year 7 after July 2008 you will have to stay on in learning to age 17 as a minimum. Learning includes full-time education, an apprenticeship or going into employment with training.

If you don’t go to school when you should your parents or carers may be prosecuted by the Local Authority in the Magistrates' Court and fined . In extreme cases they could even get a fine of up to £2,500 and/or a term in prison.

If you entered Year 7 in September 2009 you can find out more by downloading and reading the Moving Up booklet.

Last Updated: 13-Oct-2009