Surname change age 16

[NameChangeQuestion]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone would be able to give me some advice please? My dd has recently turned 16. Legally she has the surname of her biological father who we haven’t had contact with since she was a baby. The only way to change her surname would’ve been to contact him and ask him to agree but as it was an abusive relationship I didn’t want to contact him. Also know he would’ve said no anyway just to spite us.
She hasn’t ever used her legal surname apart from her passport. School, doctors surgery etc have used her preferred surname so she’s never actually been known by her bio father’s surname.
My question is, now that she’s 16, does she have the legal right to change it herself? And if so, how would I go about this? I’ve seen conflicting info online so I’m not quite sure. Some sites say you need a solicitor and others say my daughter would just need to sign something in front of a witness. Other sites say she can’t do anything until she’s 18.
She’s worried as she wants to look for a part time job but with her national insurance number being linked to her official surname she’s worried she’ll have to use it/explain to employers why she doesn’t want to use it.
I feel really really guilty and wish I’d been able to stand up to him and not allow him to have his surname on the birth certificate (we weren’t even married, he just persuaded me - abusive relationship - and then left). Seems so unfair that she has to carry the weight and worry of my decision. If anyone could offer any advice I would be extremely grateful.

[carlyclock]

Where do you live?

In Scotland you can...

[HisValentine]

www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll

[NameChangeQuestion]

@carlyclock we’re in England.

[NameChangeQuestion]

Thanks for the link @HisValentine
That’s the one I’ve been looking at.
I think what it’s saying (and if anyone knows if I’m right and can confirm?) that age 16 you can only get an unenrolled deed poll which you might not be able to use for official reasons, say for national insurance purposes? So she’d have to wait till she’s 18

[annielennoxstuckinmyhead]

I've used www.deedpoll.org.uk since I was 16. (Had a few name changes) Anyone over 16 can do their own and that website is accepted by everyone. I've had a passport done recently with it and drivers licence. Medical also accept it. They're £33 each.

[Redtartanshoes]

I changed mine in England for similar reasons although it was easier as I just dropped surname and went by first name middle name. Although it was about 20 years Ago it was very straight forward, solicitor drew up a legal document I signed it and that was it, meant I could send to passport office etc

[annielennoxstuckinmyhead]

You also don't need parental consent for 16 and over.

[NameChangeQuestion]

Thank you both. I know that unfortunately the law changed literally a month before my dd was born, so if she’d been born a month earlier I wouldn’t have needed her father’s consent and it would’ve been so much easier. It’s so frustrating. But that website sounds promising so I’ll give them a ring.