When Can My Child Leave School? (UK)
The exact date your child can leave school in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, what the law says after that, and when Child Benefit stops.
In England and Wales a child can leave school on the last Friday in June of the school year they turn 16 (26 June 2026, 25 June 2027), but in England must then stay in education or training until 18. Scotland uses 31 May or Christmas; Northern Ireland uses 30 June.
When Can My Child Leave School? (UK)
Frequently asked
Do you have to stay in education until 18 in Wales?
No. The rule that young people must stay in education or training until 18 applies only in England. In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland a pupil can leave education altogether at the school leaving date.
When can a Scottish pupil born in January leave school?
At the start of the Christmas holidays in the school year they turn 16, which is before their 16th birthday. Pupils whose 16th birthday falls between 1 October and the end of February are winter leavers.
Can a child born in August leave school in June in Northern Ireland?
Not in the June before they turn 16. A pupil who turns 16 between 2 July and 31 August cannot leave until 30 June of the following year, even though they are 16 for the whole of Year 12.
What happens to Child Benefit when my child leaves school?
It stops on 31 August on or after their 16th birthday unless you tell HMRC they are staying in full-time non-advanced education or approved training. If they are, it can continue until they turn 20.
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