Education in the UK is free and compulsory for all children between the ages of 5 to 16
(4 to 16 in Northern Ireland). The education system varies in England, Scotland, Wales
and Northern Ireland.

The child’s parent or guardian is responsible for making sure their child goes to school,
arrives on time and attends for the whole school year. If they do not do this, the parent or
guardian may be prosecuted.

Some areas of the country offer free nursery education for children over the age of 3. In
most parts of the UK, compulsory education is divided in two stages, primary and
secondary. In some places there is a middle-school system. In England and Wales the
primary stage lasts from 5 to 11, in Scotland from 5 to 12 and in Northern Ireland from 4
to 11. The secondary stage lasts until the age of 16. At that age young people can choose
to leave school or to continue with their education until they are 17 or 18.

Details of local schools are available from your local education authority office or
website. The addresses and phone numbers of local education authorities are in the phone
book.

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