§ Mr. Frank Fieldasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the official school leaving dates.
§ Mr. DunnThe Education (School Leaving Dates) Act 1976 provides that in England and Wales pupils born between the inclusive dates of 1 September and 31 January may leave school at the end of the spring term following their 16th birthday and that those born between 1 February and 31 August may leave on the Friday before the last Monday in May in the year in which they reach their 16th birthday. Prior to their relevant leaving date, pupils are of compulsory school age.