At what age do I have to go to school?

Your parents, by law, must make sure that you are in full-time education from the term after your fifth birthday. This is called compulsory school age. From this age, you must either be in school or receive education other than at school, such as home education.

This means:

• children who will turn 5 between 1st January and 31st March are of compulsory school age at the beginning of the term after 1st April
• children who will turn 5 between 1st April and 31st August are of compulsory school age from the beginning of the term after 1st September
• children who will turn 5 between 1st September and 31st December are of compulsory school age from the beginning of the term after 1st January.

However, many children receive education from the age of 3 or 4 by attending a nursery group, playgroup or the nursery or reception class of a Primary School. It will be the choice of your parents whether you go to school before the age of 5.

What can happen if I do not go to school?

If you’re of compulsory school age but not in full-time education without a good reason, the school and/or Local Authority can take action. Your parents might get a fine or, in some cases, be taken to court by the Local Authority. For more information, see School attendance and absence.