Compulsory School Age

A child becomes of compulsory school age when he or she reaches the age of five and must start school in the term following his or her fifth birthday (unless a child is educated otherwise).

Parents of children of compulsory school age (5 to 16) are required to ensure that they receive a suitable education by regular attendance at school or otherwise. Failure to comply with this duty can lead to prosecution.

Schools are required to take attendance registers twice a day. Where a day pupil of compulsory school age is absent, schools have to indicate in their register whether the absence is authorised by the school or unauthorised.

LEAs are responsible in law for making sure that pupils attend school.