Compulsory school age
A child begins to be of compulsory school age if they attain five years of age on one of the prescribed days, or on the next prescribed day following their fifth birthday. The prescribed days are currently 31 August, 31 December and 31 March.
A child ceases to be of compulsory school age on the school leaving date for any calendar year if they attain the age of 16 on (or will do so by) that date, or will do so after that date but before the beginning of the next school year.
The school leaving date is currently set as the last Friday in June. Raising the participation age does not affect the compulsory school age. However, its effect is that a young person who has ceased to be of compulsory school age but has not yet reached the age of 18 (and has not attained a level 3 qualification), is under a duty to participate in education or training.