Can a 16 year old work full time

[SisterNancySinatra]

Please settle an argument for me , can a 16 year old leave school after GCSEs and go straight into full time work ?

I think that as long as they are beyond the final Friday in June of the acedemic year in which they turn 16 (I.e their year 11) then they can!

I think it's 17.

So an employer is not allowed to employ a 16 year on a 40 hour week?

No, unless as an apprentice or on a training scheme

www.gov.uk/know-when-you-can-leave-school

They have to have time to study for a qualification.

Sorry you're right year in which they turn 17.
The only way they could employ a 16 year old is if they turned 17 after they left school, in July/August.

Ignore me I've got totally confused.
All I know for sure is that year 11 stay on the school role until the last Friday in June.

Mango, as I understand it children can leave school,at 16 and work in a job, but must have at least a day a week to do a day release at college or similar whilst working at that job. They csnt work full time without getting qualifications.