THE Government has changed the law for how long children need to remain in education in England. Wherever you are posted, here are the options:

Full-time school or college education, an apprenticeship or employment combined with part-time education or training. Staying in school is only one option. This will affect all families with children in Year 11 or 12 currently in or being posted to England.

However, local authorities are able to use discretion with mobile Service families particularly those on temporary postings. The differences are:

England (www.gov.uk)

Year 12: education or training until the end of academic year you turn 17
Year 11: education or training until at least your 18th birthday

Northern Ireland (www.deni.gov.uk)

Aged 16 between 1 September and 1 July: school until the end of that school year
Aged 16 between 2 July and 31 August: return to school in September of the same year and leave school 30 June the following year

Scotland (www.gov.uk)

Aged 16 between 1 October and end of February: school until the end of the autumn term that school year
Aged 16 between 1 March and 30 September: school until after 31 May of that year

Wales (www.gov.uk)

You can leave school at the end of the academic year that you turn 16

If you would like to know more, email ec@aff.org.uk

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