Compulsory school age
A child reaches compulsory school age term after their fifth birthday:
- If they turn 5 between 1 January and 31 March they are of compulsory school age on 31 March
- if they turn 5 between 1 April and 31 August they are of compulsory school age on 31st August
- if they turn 5 between 1 September and 31 December they are compulsory school age on 31 December.
A child continues to be of compulsory school age until the last Friday of June in the school year they reach sixteen.
‘Suitable education’ is defined as efficient full-time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude and to any additional educational needs.