16 year old wanting to leave school

[jaynegregory73]

help, i have a 16 year old who wants to leave school. he doesnt even want to wait till he finishes he said he will go back for gcse but thats it. is this legal is he getting me in trouble by not going. he walks out of school when he feels like it and i am unsure what to do.

The children that are 16 now have to stay at school until 17 at least, but I think it's 18. You could be fined if he misses 5 days or more.

Making is right, you have to stay at school until the end of the academic year when you turn 17 so no it's not 'legal'.

What's the background here? What are his predicted grades? Is it a recent development to not want to go to school? What does he plan to do for money/job?

Law states that he has to remain in education or training until age 18. If he is sick of school can he find something more practical - modern apprenticeship type of thing that might engage him more?

The BBC website has some advice
here regarding the school leaving age, alternatives to school and financial support.

I should ask him what he plans to do and how he will support himself financially.

Useful websites

• www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/youngpeople/participation/transitionintoeducationandtraining/a0064102/offersofeducationandtraining

• www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/