Leaving age

The Education and Skills Act (2008) places a duty on all young people to participate in education or training until their 18th birthday.

Since the summer of 2015:

• Young people will have to continue in education or training until at least their 18th birthday.

They don't have to stay at school, they may:

• Continue in full-time education in another school, college or home education
• Take an apprenticeship or a job with regular training
• Take a part-time education or training course if they are employed, self-employed or volunteering for more than 20 hours per week.

There is more information on the Department for Education's website: GOV.UK: School leaving age (opens new window)

For information on choices available post 16 visit Work Wiltshire - Young people's next steps (opens new window)