School Leaving Age

When is the earliest you can legally leave school? The answer varies, depending on where you live:

England and Wales

The last Friday in June of the school year in which your 16th birthday occurs.

Northern Ireland

30th June of the school year in which your 16th birthday occurs.

Scotland

31st May of that year if your 16th birthday is between 1st March and 30th September or the start of the Christmas holiday if your 16th birthday is between 1st October and the last day of February.

Article first published May 2005
Last reviewed August 2006