When can I leave school?

For young people in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland who are reaching school leaving age.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland Last checked against official sources: 30 September 2026

It depends where you live:

England: the last Friday in June if you'll be 16 by the end of the summer holidays, then education, an apprenticeship or training alongside work until 18.
Wales: the last Friday in June if you'll be 16 by the end of that summer.
Scotland: after 31 May or at Christmas, depending on your birthday.
Northern Ireland: after 30 June, depending on your birthday.

Key facts

England: learning until 18
Leave around 16
Rules vary by nation

School leaving age at a glance

The age you can leave school is about 16 in every part of the UK. The exact day depends on where you live and when your birthday falls.

Nation	When you can leave
England	Last Friday in June, if you will be 16 by the end of the summer holidays
Wales	Last Friday in June, if you will be 16 by the end of that school year's summer holidays
Scotland	After 31 May or at Christmas, depending on your birthday
Northern Ireland	After 30 June, depending on your birthday

England: learning until 18

In England, leaving school at 16 does not mean you can stop learning. Until you are 18 you must do one of these:

stay in full-time education, for example at a college
start an apprenticeship
spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while also doing part-time education or training

This rule only applies in England.

Scotland: how your birthday decides it

Your 16th birthday is between	You can leave
1 March and 30 September	After 31 May of that year
1 October and the end of February	At the start of the Christmas holidays in that school year

Example: Ali turns 16 on 15 April. He can leave after 31 May that year. Grace turns 16 on 20 November. She can leave at the start of the Christmas holidays.

Northern Ireland: how your birthday decides it

Your 16th birthday is between	You can leave
1 September and 1 July	After 30 June
2 July and 31 August	After 30 June of the following year

So in Northern Ireland, if you turn 16 in the summer holidays, you stay at school for another year.

Money to help you keep studying

If you stay in education after 16 you may get help with costs such as travel, books and equipment.

England: the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund, which you apply for through your school, college or training provider.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

Things to know

Leaving dates are about the earliest you can leave. You can choose to stay on.
If you are not sure which date applies to you, ask your school. They will know the leaving date for your year group.

Related guides

Where this comes from

School leaving age (GOV.UK)

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Check the rules

Common questions

Can I leave school at 16 and get a job in England?

Yes, but until you are 18 you must work or volunteer 20 hours or more a week while also doing part-time education or training.

When can I leave school in Scotland if my birthday is in winter?

If you turn 16 between 1 October and the end of February, you can leave at the start of the Christmas holidays.

What if I turn 16 in the summer holidays in Northern Ireland?

If you turn 16 between 2 July and 31 August, you cannot leave school until 30 June the following year.

Can I get money to stay in education after 16?

In England you can apply for the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland you can apply for Education Maintenance Allowance.

Source: School leaving age

Checked against GOV.UK on 30 September 2026

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