what age is schooling compusary

[UniSarah]

A friend is unsure about sending her boy to preschool,thinking he seems too young. I think its not till they are 4 or 5 that schooling ( of whatever kind) is considered compulsary?my friend is from overseas so used to a very differnt system back home.
Any one got any pointers for information I can pass on to her. My boy is only 1 so i havn;t found all this out yet.

Term after they turn 5, so August born children can actually miss the whole of Reception year if their parents so wish.

Preschool is not compulsary.

Just to say that school isn't compulsory - education is.

I thought it was 5, any idea where on teh web i could point her? And yes I know it doesn't have to be in a school... friend is fine about school, just thinks 3 is too young as its 6 back home.

You asked "What age is schooling compulsory". I just wanted to point out that going to school isn't. Some people mistakenly think it is. However, there is some information about school-age on Teachernet that might be of use to your friend.

I took schooling (of whatever kind) to include all forms of schooling/education including HE

Preschool is not compulsory but there is lots of evidence to suggest that from about the age of 2 and a half some preschool education is beneficial. This can take any form but you should get 12.5 hours free from age of 3, so about 5 mornings a week. In lots of countries where formal school doesn't start till 6, there are kindergartens or playgroups from earlier ages.