School attendance and absence

By law, every parent of a school-age child must make sure their child gets a suitable full-time education.

What the law says

The Education Act 1996, Section 7 says the "parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause them to receive efficient full-time education", which must be suitable:

• to their age, ability, and aptitude
• to any special educational needs, they may have

In education law, 'parent' includes:

• all biological parents, whether they are married or not
• any person who has parental responsibility for a child or young person, even if they are not a biological parent – for example, an adoptive parent, a step-parent, a guardian or other relative
• any person who has care of a child or young person, even if they are not a biological parent and do not have parental responsibility – typically this is a person the child or young person lives with, either full-time or part-time, and who looks after the child

Your child is of compulsory school age from the term after their 5th birthday until the last Friday in June of the school year in which they turn 16 years-old (year 11). By law they must receive a full-time education, even if they have their 16th birthday during year 11.

What you must do

If you register your child at a school, you must make sure they attend regularly and on time.

This means your child must attend every session of their classes, unless the school has given you permission, in advance, for a leave of absence.

If you choose to educate your child at home or somewhere other than at school, this is called an 'elective home education'. For guidance on this, go to our home education pages.

School Attendance Support Team

Our School Attendance Support Team (SAST) can give advice and guidance on attendance.