Anyone know when a 16 year old can leave education.

[shamus2020]

Dc turned 16 in oct and is home educated. If they have decided against doing they're GCSEs can they leave education now? Can't get a clear answer on google. Thanks

Do they not need to be in education or employment?

In Scotland they have to be 'in a positive destination' until 18, that translates as school, college, apprenticeship etc so unless they have something to go on to then no, 16 is not an option.

No. Same as last time you asked.

Depends where you live

No. They need to be doing full time education until 18.
So, that could be an apprenticeship etc instead of A-Levels.

Is it a good idea not to take GCSEs? Most jobs would insist or at least expect GCSEs (even if not grade 4s).

Need to be in education or training til 18 now.

They are meant to stay either in education, full time work or apprenticeship till18 but if they choose to leave snd not do then no one will chase you.... personal experience here

@shamus2020

30th June of the year after they turn 16. But if they are doing exams like Ds1 did then they leave after their last exam which for Ds was around the 18th June, obviously no reason to be back in school once all exams were done.

The question is why would they not at least get English and Maths GCSE? There is a reason that schools make you resit it in year 12 and year 13 if you don't get at least a grade 4. It would be a massive hindrance not to have at least these GCSEs. Once you are out of year 13 then the cost of sitting the exam is on the individual. Even as adults you do a functional skills of maths and English as an equivalent.

They can't, but (sadly in most cases) many do. Does the dc in question have a clear employment and career plan that they intend to pursue? I would really recommend a visit to a careers adviser or college if not. Good advice now is worth it's weight.

Yes still 18. Law hasn't changed in the few weeks since you last posted.

@Rubytinsleslippers Really???? So if my son aged 17 in S6 wanted to leave at Xmas to work then he couldn't?

Not until end of June and then only if apprenticeship or training is available, otherwise post 18. Basic gcses or equivalent(level 2) keep options open and will be required for all but most unskilled roles. If those are beyond dc at present try Functional Skills Numeracy/Literacy or Supported Learning via a college.

If they leave early it affects child benefit and uc.

[quote Woollyslippers]@Rubytinsleslippers Really???? So if my son aged 17 in S6 wanted to leave at Xmas to work then he couldn't?[/quote]
The info i put above doesn't say they need to be in education/employment in Scotland

@Woollyslippers yes he could as that is a positive destination - he couldn't leave with nothing to go to. Going to work or college is fine just not to leave to become a youtuber....

@Rubytinsleslippers

In Scotland they have to be 'in a positive destination' until 18, that translates as school, college, apprenticeship etc so unless they have something to go on to then no, 16 is not an option.

Is that right though? This says you can leave at 16 and have a gap year or whatever? www.mygov.scot/leaving-school-options/

New to Scotland so am a bit clueless.

OK hypothetically, what if he had a place at Uni to start in September and was leaving at Xmas to have a gap 9 months.

Not worried about it affecting child benefit or uc. Just need to know if they can leave education now that they are 16. They want to work instead.

Is this about your daughter who is going to be a kept woman?

Sorry Ive not posted about this before?

@shamus2020

Not worried about it affecting child benefit or uc. Just need to know if they can leave education now that they are 16. They want to work instead.

Well then you've had your answer. No. They need to be doing some sort of education as well as work.

It's June after they turn 16.

Then they need to be doing something else.

@fitzbilly

It's June after they turn 16.

Then they need to be doing something else.

That's the school leaving age. OP asked about education, not school.

If they want to work then the only way to do this would be an apprenticeship which combines work and education, they do generally need maths and English GCSEs to get on an apprenticeship scheme though.

If you are their parent though you are doing them a disservice to encourage leaving education at 16 with no qualifications.

If you are the 16 yr old wanting to get a job, please be aware that GCSE or equivalent in maths and English is a standard basic requirement for many jobs, so you are going to limit your options and make it more difficult for yourself to obtain a good job in the future.