It is a legal requirement in for children to attend school when a child reaches compulsory school age until they reach school leaving age. Government guidance explains the dates when a child becomes of compulsory school age and when they reach school leaving age. In England, Scotland, and Wales this is from age 5, and from age 4 in Northern Ireland.
All children can receive free education at a primary or secondary state-funded school from the age of 4 to 16 years old, continuing to age 18 if they are continuing in school education or attending sixth-form.
State-funded education is not classed as a public fund for immigration purposes and can be accessed by a child regardless of their immigration status.
Children who have leave to enter or remain as a visitor, a child student visa, or short-term student (aged 16-17), are not able to access state-funded education, due to a study restriction.
See the government information about school admissions in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Page updated: 06 June 2025
