Law

Education Act 1996

United Kingdom · statute

Ask the law about thisMore laws of United KingdomFor machines: Markdown

Open at the publisher →

In force since 2026-09-01, as the publisher states.

Copy read on 2026-11-08. The page it was read from

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.

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Contents: 725 provisions
  1. Title and introductory text
  2. 1 The stages of education.
  3. 2 Definition of primary, secondary and further education.
  4. 3 Definition of pupil etc.
  5. 4 Schools: general.
  6. 5 Primary schools, secondary schools and middle schools.
  7. 6 Nursery schools ... .
  8. 7 Duty of parents to secure education of children of compulsory school age.
  9. 8 Compulsory school age.
  10. 9 Pupils to be educated in accordance with parents’ wishes.
  11. 10 General duty of Secretary of State.
  12. 11 Duty in the case of primary, secondary and further education.
  13. 12 Local authorities and their areas.
  14. 13 General responsibility for education.
  15. 13A Duty to promote high standards and fulfilment of potential
  16. 14 Functions in respect of provision of primary and secondary schools.
  17. 14A Duty of local authority to consider parental representations
  18. 15 Functions in respect of provision of further education.
  19. 15ZA Duty in respect of education and training for persons over compulsory school age: England
  20. 15ZB Co-operation in performance of section 15ZA duty
  21. 15ZC Encouragement of education and training for persons over compulsory school age: England
  22. 15ZD Sections 15ZA to 15ZC: duty to have regard to guidance
  23. 15A Powers in respect of education and training for 16 to 18 year olds.
  24. 15B Functions in respect of education for persons over 19.
  25. 16 Power to establish, maintain and assist primary and secondary schools.
  26. 17 Powers in respect of nursery schools .
  27. 18 Power to arrange provision of education at non-maintained schools.
  28. 18A Provision of education for persons subject to youth detention
  29. 19 Exceptional provision of education in pupil referral units or elsewhere : England
  30. 19A Exceptional provision of education in pupil referral units or elsewhere: Wales
  31. 19B Schools to co-operate with local authority in securing adequate provision (England)
  32. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  33. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  34. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  35. 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  36. 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  37. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  38. 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  39. 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  40. 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  41. 29 Provision of information by local authorities.
  42. 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  43. 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  44. 32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  45. 33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  46. 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  47. 35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  48. 36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  49. 37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  50. 38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  51. 39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  52. 40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  53. 41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  54. 42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  55. 43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  56. 44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  57. 45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  58. 46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  59. 47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  60. 48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  61. 49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  62. 50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  63. 51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  64. 52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  65. 53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  66. 54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  67. 55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  68. 56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  69. 57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  70. 58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  71. 59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  72. 60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  73. 61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  74. 62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  75. 63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  76. 64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  77. 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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  93. 81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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  95. 83 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  96. 84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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  107. 95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  108. 96 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  109. 97 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  110. 98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  111. 99 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  112. 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  113. 127 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  114. 128 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  115. 129 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  116. 130 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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  119. 133 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  120. 134 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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  125. 139 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  126. 140 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  127. 141 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  128. 142 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  129. 143 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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  228. 242 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  229. 243 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  230. 244 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  231. 245 Special purpose grants.
  232. 246 Capital grants.
  233. 247 Imposition of requirements on governing body in receipt of grant.
  234. 248 Grants: further provisions.
  235. 249 Application of sections 250 to 254.
  236. 250 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  237. 251 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  238. 252 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  239. 253 Imposition of requirements on governing body in receipt of grant.
  240. 254 Grants: further provisions.
  241. 255 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  242. 256 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  243. 257 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  244. 258 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  245. 259 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  246. 260 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  247. 261 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  248. 262 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  249. 263 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  250. 264 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  251. 265 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  252. 266 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  253. 267 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  254. 268 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  255. 269 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  256. 270 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  257. 271 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  258. 272 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  259. 273 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  260. 274 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  261. 275 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  262. 276 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  263. 277 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  264. 278 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  265. 279 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  266. 280 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  267. 281 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  268. 282 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  269. 283 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  270. 284 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  271. 285 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  272. 286 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  273. 287 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  274. 288 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  275. 289 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  276. 290 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  277. 291 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  278. 292 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  279. 293 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  280. 294 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  281. 295 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  282. 296 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  283. 297 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  284. 298 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  285. 299 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  286. 300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  287. 301 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  288. 302 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  289. 303 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  290. 304 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  291. 305 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  292. 306 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  293. 306A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  294. 307 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  295. 307A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  296. 308 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  297. 309 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  298. 310 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  299. 311 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  300. 311A Application of this Chapter: children in Wales
  301. 312 Meaning of “special educational needs” and “special educational provision” etc.
  302. 312A Children subject to detention
  303. 313 Code of Practice.
  304. 314 Making and approval of code.
  305. 315 Review of arrangements.
  306. 316 Duty to educate children with special educational needs in mainstream schools
  307. 316A Education otherwise than in mainstream schools
  308. 317 Duties of governing body or local authority in relation to pupils with special educational needs.
  309. 317A Duty to inform parent where special educational provision made
  310. 318 Provision of goods and services in connection with special educational needs.
  311. 319 Special educational provision otherwise than in schools.
  312. 320 Provision outside England and Wales for certain children.
  313. 321 General duty of local authority towards children for whom they are responsible.
  314. 322 Duty of certain bodies to help local authority.
  315. 323 Assessment of educational needs.
  316. 324 Statement of special educational needs.
  317. 325 Appeal against decision not to make statement.
  318. 326 Appeal against contents of statement.
  319. 326A Unopposed appeals
  320. 327 Access for local authority to certain schools.
  321. 328 Reviews of educational needs.
  322. 328A Appeal against determination of local authority in England not to amend statement following review
  323. 329 Assessment of educational needs at request of child’s parent.
  324. 329A Review or assessment of educational needs at request of responsible body
  325. 330
  326. 331 Assessment of educational needs of children under two.
  327. 332 Duty of Local Health Board or National Health Service trust to notify parent etc.
  328. 332ZA Right of a child to appeal to the ... Tribunal
  329. 332ZB Notice and service of documents on a child
  330. 332ZC Case friends ...
  331. 332A Advice and information for parents — England
  332. 332AA Advice and information ...
  333. 332B Resolution of disputes — England
  334. 332BA Resolution of disputes ...
  335. 332BB Independent advocacy services ...
  336. 332C Provision of information
  337. 332D Publication of information
  338. 332E Interpretation of sections 332C and 332D
  339. 333 Constitution of ... Tribunal.
  340. 334 The President and members of the panels.
  341. 335 Remuneration and expenses.
  342. 336 Tribunal procedure.
  343. 336ZA Special Educational Needs Tribunal for Wales
  344. 336ZB Appeals from the ... Tribunal to the Upper Tribunal
  345. 336A Compliance with orders
  346. 337 Special schools
  347. 337A Interpretation of Chapter
  348. 338 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  349. 339 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  350. 340 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  351. 341 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  352. 342 Approval of non-maintained special schools.
  353. 342A Application to justice of the peace: power to make regulations
  354. 342B Appeal against decision of Secretary of State
  355. 342C Appeal against order of justice of peace
  356. 343 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  357. 344 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  358. 345 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  359. 346 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  360. 347 Approval of independent schools.
  361. 348 Provision of special education at non-maintained schools —Wales.
  362. 349 Variation of trust deeds etc. by order.
  363. 350 Meaning of “maintained school” etc. in Part V.
  364. 351 General duties in respect of the curriculum.
  365. 352 Basic curriculum for every maintained school.
  366. 353 The National Curriculum.
  367. 354 The core subjects and other foundation subjects.
  368. 355 The key stages.
  369. 356 Establishment of the National Curriculum by order.
  370. 357 Implementation of the National Curriculum in schools.
  371. 358 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  372. 359 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  373. 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  374. 361 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  375. 362 Development work and experiments.
  376. 363 Exceptions by regulations.
  377. 364 Pupils with statements of special educational needs.
  378. 365 Temporary exceptions for individual pupils.
  379. 366 Information concerning directions under section 365.
  380. 367 Appeals against directions under section 365 etc.
  381. 368 Procedure for making certain orders and regulations.
  382. 369 Programmes of research etc. in relation to Wales.
  383. 370 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  384. 371 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  385. 372 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  386. 373 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  387. 374 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  388. 375 Agreed syllabuses of religious education.
  389. 376 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  390. 377 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  391. 378 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  392. 379 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  393. 380 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  394. 381 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  395. 382 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  396. 383 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  397. 384 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  398. 385 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  399. 386 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  400. 387 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  401. 388 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  402. 389 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  403. 390 Constitution of advisory councils.
  404. 391 Functions of advisory councils.
  405. 392 Advisory councils: supplementary provisions.
  406. 393 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  407. 394 Determination of cases in which requirement for Christian collective worship is not to apply.
  408. 395 Review of determinations under section 394.
  409. 396 Power of Secretary of State to direct advisory council to revoke determination or discharge duty.
  410. 397 Religious education: access to meetings and documents.
  411. 398 No requirement of attendance at Sunday school etc.
  412. 399 Determination of question whether religious education in accordance with trust deed.
  413. 400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  414. 401 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  415. 402 Obligation to enter pupils for public examinations.
  416. 403 Sex education: manner of provision.
  417. 404 Sex education: statements of policy.
  418. 405 Exemption from sex education.
  419. 406 Political indoctrination.
  420. 407 Duty to secure balanced treatment of political issues.
  421. 408 Provision of information.
  422. 409 Complaints and enforcement: maintained schools in Wales.
  423. 410 Application of Part V in relation to nursery education.
  424. 411 Parental preferences.
  425. 411A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  426. 412 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  427. 413 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  428. 413A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  429. 413B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  430. 414 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  431. 415 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  432. 416 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  433. 417 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  434. 418 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  435. 419 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  436. 420 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  437. 421 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  438. 421A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  439. 422 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  440. 423 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  441. 423A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  442. 424 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  443. 425 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  444. 425A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  445. 425B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  446. 426 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  447. 426A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  448. 427 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  449. 428 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  450. 429 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  451. 430 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  452. 431 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  453. 432 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  454. 433 Time for admission of pupils.
  455. 434 Registration of pupils.
  456. 434A Local authority consent for withdrawal of certain children from school
  457. 434B Mandatory local authority meetings prior to withdrawal of child from school
  458. 435 Withdrawal of pupils from a primary school for secondary education.
  459. 436 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  460. 436A Duty to make arrangements to identify children not receiving education
  461. 436B Duty to register children not in school
  462. 436C Content and maintenance of registers
  463. 436E Provision of information to local authorities: education providers
  464. 436F Use of information in the register
  465. 436I School attendance orders
  466. 436S References to “regulations” and “prescribed”
  467. 436T Processing of information
  468. 437 School attendance orders.
  469. 438 Choice of school: child without EHC plan or statement of special educational needs , or an individual development plan which names a school.
  470. 439 Specification of schools in notices under section 438(2).
  471. 440 Amendment of order at request of parent: child without EHC plan or statement of special educational needs , or an individual development plan which names a school.
  472. 441 Choice of school: child with EHC plan or statement of special educational needs.
  473. 441A Choice of school: child with individual development plan which names a school
  474. 442 Revocation of order at request of parent.
  475. 443 Offence: failure to comply with school attendance order.
  476. 444 Offence: failure to secure regular attendance at school of registered pupil.
  477. 444ZA Application of section 444 to alternative educational provision
  478. 444A Penalty notice in respect of failure to secure regular attendance at school of registered pupil
  479. 444B Penalty notices: supplemental
  480. 445 Presumption of age.
  481. 446 Institution of proceedings.
  482. 447 Education supervision orders.
  483. 448 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  484. 449 Meaning of “maintained school” in Chapter III.
  485. 450 Prohibition of charges for admission.
  486. 451 Prohibition of charges for provision of education.
  487. 452 Application of section 451 where education is provided partly during and partly outside school hours etc.
  488. 453 Examinations: prohibition of charges and recovery of wasted fees.
  489. 454 Prohibition of incidental charges.
  490. 455 Permitted charges.
  491. 456 Regulation of permitted charges.
  492. 457 Charges and remissions policies.
  493. 458 Charges for board and lodging at boarding schools.
  494. 459 Provision of information.
  495. 460 Contributions and charges unaffected by Chapter III.
  496. 461 Recovery of sums as civil debt.
  497. 462 Interpretation of Chapter III.
  498. 463 Alteration to definition of “independent school”
  499. 464 Separate registration for England and for Wales.
  500. 465 Provisional and final registration of a school.
  501. 466 Enforcement of registration: offences.
  502. 467 Provision of information about registered and provisionally registered schools.
  503. 468 School may be struck off for contravention of regulations about employment of teachers.
  504. 469 Notice of complaint by Secretary of State.
  505. 470 Determination of complaint by an Independent Schools Tribunal.
  506. 471 Determination of complaint by Secretary of State.
  507. 472 Effect of personal disqualification.
  508. 473 Enforcement of disqualification.
  509. 473A Removal of disqualification: persons no longer unsuitable to work with children.
  510. 473B Conditions for application under section 473A.
  511. 474 Removal of disqualification: other cases.
  512. 475 Duty of Registrar to comply with order for the deletion of a school from the register.
  513. 476 Constitution and proceedings of Independent Schools Tribunals.
  514. 477 Disqualification in Scotland.
  515. 478 Offences: institution of proceedings and punishment.
  516. 479 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  517. 480 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  518. 481 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  519. 482 Academies
  520. 483 City colleges: financial provisions.
  521. 483A City colleges and academies: special educational needs and additional learning needs.
  522. 484 Education standards grants.
  523. 485 Grants in aid of educational services or research.
  524. 486 Grants to bodies whose objects are promotion of learning or research.
  525. 487 Grants for education in Welsh.
  526. 488 Grants for education of travellers and displaced persons.
  527. 489 Conditions as to payment of grants under sections 484 to 488.
  528. 490 Grants in respect of special provision for ethnic minorities.
  529. 491 Payment of school fees and expenses.
  530. 492 Recoupment: adjustment between local authorities.
  531. 493 Recoupment: cross-border provisions.
  532. 494 Recoupment: excluded pupils.
  533. 495 Determination of disputes.
  534. 496 Power to prevent unreasonable exercise of functions.
  535. 497 General default powers.
  536. 497A Power to secure proper performance of local authority’s education functions .
  537. 497AA Power to secure proper performance: duty of authority where directions contemplated
  538. 497B Power to secure proper performance: further provisions.
  539. 497C Academies: power to secure performance of proprietor’s duties
  540. 498 Powers where no properly constituted governing body.
  541. 499 Power to direct appointment of members of education committees.
  542. 500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  543. 501 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  544. 502 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  545. 503 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  546. 504 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  547. 505 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  548. 506 Power to require medical examination of pupils.
  549. 507 Power to direct local inquiries.
  550. 507A Local authorities in England: functions in respect of recreational and training facilities for children under 13
  551. 507B Local authorities in England: functions in respect of leisure-time activities etc for persons aged 13 to 19 and certain persons aged 20 to 24
  552. 508 Local authorities in Wales: functions in respect of facilities for recreation and social and physical training.
  553. 508A Local authorities in England: duty to promote sustainable modes of travel etc
  554. 508B Local authorities in England: travel arrangements for eligible children
  555. 508C Local authorities in England: travel arrangements etc for other children
  556. 508D Guidance etc in relation to sections 508B and 508C
  557. 508E Local authorities in England: school travel schemes
  558. 508F Local authorities in England: provision of transport etc for adult learners
  559. 508G Local authorities in England: transport policy statements etc for young adults subject to learning difficulty assessment
  560. 508H Guidance: sections 508F and 508G
  561. 508I Complaints about transport arrangements etc for young adult for whom EHC plan is maintained: England
  562. 509 LEAs in Wales: provision of transport etc.
  563. 509AA Local authorities in England: provision of transport etc. for persons of sixth form age
  564. 509AB Local authorities in England: further provision about transport policy statements for persons of sixth form age
  565. 509AC Interpretation of sections 509AA and 509AB
  566. 509AD Local authorities in England: duty to have regard to religion or belief in exercise of travel functions
  567. 509AE Complaints about transport arrangements etc for persons of sixth form age in England
  568. 509A Local authorities in England: travel arrangements for children receiving early years education otherwise than at school.
  569. 510 Provision of clothing.
  570. 511 Provisions supplementary to section 510.
  571. 512 Local authorityfunctions concerning provision of meals, etc.
  572. 512ZA Power to charge for meals etc.
  573. 512ZB Provision of free school lunches and milk
  574. 512ZC Protection of identity of pupils receiving free school lunches or milk
  575. 512A Transfer of functions under section 512 to governing bodies.
  576. 512B Provision of school lunches: Academies
  577. 512C School food standards: Academies
  578. 513 Provision of meals etc. at schools not maintained by local authorities.
  579. 514 Provision of board and lodging otherwise than at school.
  580. 514A Provision of boarding accommodation for person for whom an EHC plan is maintained
  581. 515 Provision of teaching services for day nurseries.
  582. 516 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  583. 517 Payment of fees at schools not maintained by a local authority.
  584. 518 Payment of school expenses; grant of scholarships, etc.
  585. 519 Travelling and subsistence allowances for governors of schools and further or higher education institutions.
  586. 520 Medical inspection and treatment of pupils.
  587. 521 Examination of pupils for cleanliness.
  588. 522 Compulsory cleansing of a pupil.
  589. 523 Arrangements for cleansing of pupils.
  590. 524 Suspension of a pupil pending examination or cleansing.
  591. 525 Offence of neglecting the cleanliness of a pupil.
  592. 526 Powers as to educational research.
  593. 527 Powers as to educational conferences.
  594. 527A Duty of local authority to prepare plan relating to children with behavioural difficulties.
  595. 528 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  596. 529 Power to accept gifts on trust for educational purposes.
  597. 530 Compulsory purchase of land.
  598. 531 Acquisition of land by agreement.
  599. 532 Appointment of chief education officer.
  600. 533 Functions of governing bodies of maintained schools with respect to provision of school meals etc.
  601. 534 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  602. 535 Provision of teaching services for day nurseries.
  603. 536 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  604. 537 Power of Secretary of State to require information from governing bodies etc.
  605. 537A Provision of information about individual pupils.
  606. 537B Provision of information about children receiving funded education outside school
  607. 537C Disclosure of information by or to principal regulators of exempt charities
  608. 538 Provision of information to Secretary of State by governing bodies of maintained schools.
  609. 538A Power to direct participation in international surveys
  610. 539 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  611. 540 Distribution of information about schools providing secondary education.
  612. 541 Distribution of information about further education institutions.
  613. 542 Prescribed standards for school premises.
  614. 543 Relaxation of prescribed standards in special cases.
  615. 544 Approval etc. of school premises and boarding hostels.
  616. 545 Exemption from building byelaws of approved buildings.
  617. 546 Control of potentially harmful materials and apparatus in schools.
  618. 547 Nuisance or disturbance on school premises.
  619. 548 No right to give corporal punishment.
  620. 549 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  621. 550 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  622. 550A Power of members of staff to restrain pupils.
  623. 550ZA Power of members of staff to search pupils for prohibited items: England
  624. 550ZB Power of search under section 550ZA: supplementary
  625. 550ZC Power to seize items found during search under section 550ZA
  626. 550ZD Section 550ZC: supplementary
  627. 550AA Power of members of staff to search pupils for weapons : Wales
  628. 550B Detention outside school hours lawful despite absence of parental consent.
  629. 550C Guidance on use of mobile phones etc in schools in England
  630. 551 Regulations as to duration of school day etc.
  631. 551ZA School uniforms: limits on branded items
  632. 551A Guidance about the costs of school uniforms: England
  633. 551B Free breakfast club provision in primary schools in England
  634. 552
  635. 553 Schemes under the Endowed Schools Acts.
  636. 554 Power to make new provision as to use of endowments.
  637. 555 Procedure applicable to orders under section 554.
  638. 556 Content of orders under section 554.
  639. 557 Adoption of statutory trusts.
  640. 558 Meaning of “child” for purposes of enactments relating to employment of children or young persons.
  641. 559 Power of local authorities to prohibit or restrict employment of children.
  642. 560 Work experience in last year of compulsory schooling.
  643. 560A Work experience for persons over compulsory school age: England
  644. 561 Act not to apply to persons in service of the Crown.
  645. 562 Act not to apply to certain persons detained under order of a court.
  646. 562A Application of Act to detained persons
  647. 562B Duty to take steps to promote fulfilment of potential
  648. 562C Detained persons with statement of special educational needs
  649. 562D Appropriate special educational provision: arrangements between local authorities
  650. 562E Literacy and numeracy assessments
  651. 562F Provision of information about detained persons
  652. 562G Information to be provided where statement of special educational needs previously maintained
  653. 562H Release of detained person appearing to host authority to require assessment
  654. 562I Guidance
  655. 562J Interpretation of Chapter
  656. 563 Educational records.
  657. 564 Certificates of birth and registrars’ returns.
  658. 565 Evidence: presumption as to age.
  659. 566 Evidence: documents.
  660. 567 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  661. 568 Orders.
  662. 569 Regulations.
  663. 569A Regulations made by Welsh Ministers under Chapter 5A
  664. 570 Revocation and variation of certain orders and directions.
  665. 571 Publication of guidance.
  666. 572 Service of notices and other documents.
  667. 573 Meaning of expressions relating to alteration etc. of premises or character of schools.
  668. 574 Changes to school not amounting to discontinuance etc.
  669. 575
  670. 576 Meaning of “parent”.
  671. 577 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  672. 578 Meaning of “the Education Acts”.
  673. 579 General interpretation.
  674. 580 Index.
  675. 581 Application to Isles of Scilly.
  676. 582 Consequential amendments, repeals, transitional provisions etc.
  677. 583 Short title, commencement and extent.
  678. SCHEDULE 1 Pupil referral units
  679. SCHEDULE 2
  680. SCHEDULE 3
  681. SCHEDULE 4
  682. SCHEDULE 5
  683. SCHEDULE 6
  684. SCHEDULE 7
  685. SCHEDULE 8
  686. SCHEDULE 9
  687. SCHEDULE 10
  688. SCHEDULE 11 Contents of statements under section 122(2) and section 124(1)
  689. SCHEDULE 12 Financial delegation and new schools
  690. SCHEDULE 13 Staffing of county, controlled, special agreement and maintained special schools
  691. SCHEDULE 14
  692. SCHEDULE 15
  693. SCHEDULE 16
  694. SCHEDULE 17 Governors’ annual reports
  695. SCHEDULE 18 Annual parents’ meetings
  696. SCHEDULE 19 Conduct and staffing of new county, voluntary and maintained special schools
  697. SCHEDULE 20
  698. SCHEDULE 21
  699. SCHEDULE 22 Governing bodies of grant-maintained schools
  700. SCHEDULE 23 Content of articles of government for grant-maintained schools
  701. SCHEDULE 24 Categories of governors
  702. SCHEDULE 25 Core governors for groups
  703. Schedule 25A Appeals against exclusion of pupils from grant-maintained schools
  704. SCHEDULE 26 Making of assessments under section 323
  705. SCHEDULE 27 Making and maintenance of statements under section 324
  706. SCHEDULE 28
  707. SCHEDULE 29
  708. SCHEDULE 30
  709. SCHEDULE 31 Agreed syllabuses of religious education
  710. Schedule 31A Failure to provide information under section 436E: monetary penalties
  711. SCHEDULE 32
  712. SCHEDULE 33
  713. Schedule 33A
  714. Schedule 33B
  715. SCHEDULE 34 Independent Schools Tribunals
  716. SCHEDULE 35
  717. SCHEDULE 35B Meaning of “eligible child” for purposes of section 508B
  718. SCHEDULE 35C School Travel Schemes
  719. SCHEDULE 36 Uniform statutory trusts for educational endowments
  720. SCHEDULE 36A Education functions
  721. SCHEDULE 37 Consequential amendments
  722. SCHEDULE 38 Repeals and revocations
  723. SCHEDULE 39 Transitional provisions and savings
  724. SCHEDULE 40
  725. TABLE OF DERIVATIONS

Proposed changes to this act

No one has proposed a change to this act yet.

725 provisions

Title and introductory text

Education Act 1996 1996 c. 56 An Act to consolidate the Education Act 1944 and certain other enactments relating to education, with amendments to give effect to recommendations of the Law Commission. [24th July 1996] Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

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1 The stages of education.

(1) The statutory system of public education consists of three progressive stages: primary education, secondary education and further education. (2) This Part— (a) confers functions on the Secretary of State and local authorities with respect to primary, secondary and further education; . . . (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (3) Part I of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 makes provision with respect to further education.. (4) Apart from section 10 (general duty of Secretary of State), nothing in this Act confers any functions with respect to higher education.

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2 Definition of primary, secondary and further education.

(1) In this Act “primary education” means— (a) full-time or part-time education suitable to the requirements of children who have attained the age of two but are under compulsory school age; (b) full-time education suitable to the requirements of junior pupils of compulsory school age who have not attained the age of 10 years and six months; and (c) full-time education suitable to the requirements of junior pupils who have attained the age of 10 years and six months and whom it is expedient to educate together with junior pupils within paragraph (b). (2) In this Act “secondary education” means— (a) full-time education suitable to the requirements of pupils of compulsory school age who are either— (i) senior pupils, or (ii) junior pupils who have attained the age of 10 years and six months and whom it is expedient to educate together with senior pupils of compulsory school age; and (b) (subject to subsection (5)) full-time education suitable to the requirements of pupils who are over compulsory school age but under the age of 19 which is provided at a school at which education within paragraph (a) is also provided. (2A) Education is also secondary education for the purposes of this Act (subject to subsection (5)) if it is provided by an institution which— (a) is maintained by a local authority or is an Academy, and (b) is principally concerned with the provision of full-time education suitable to the requirements of pupils who are over compulsory school age but under the age of 19. (2B) Where— (a) a person is in full-time education, (b) he receives his education partly at a school and, by virtue of arrangements made by the school, partly at another institution or any other establishment, and (c) the education which he receives at the school would be secondary education if it was full-time education at the school, the person’s education, both at the school and at the other institution or establishment, is secondary education for the purposes of this Act (subject to subsection (5)). (3) Subject to subsection (5), in this Act “further education” means— (a) full-time and part-time education suitable to the requirements of persons who are over compulsory school age (including vocational, social, physical and recreational training), and (b) organised leisure-time occupation provided in connection with the provision of such education, except that it does not include secondary education or (in accordance with subsection (7)) higher education. (4) Accordingly, unless it is education within subsection (2)(b) or (2A), full-time education suitable to the requirements of persons over compulsory school age who have not attained the age of 19 is further education for the purposes of this Act and not secondary education. (5) For the purposes of this Act education provided for persons who have attained the age of 19 is further education not secondary education; but where a person— (a) has begun a particular course of secondary education before attaining the age of 18, and (b) continues to attend that course, the education does not cease to be secondary education by reason of his having attained the age of 19. (6) In subsection (3)(b) “organised leisure-time occupation” means leisure-time occupation, in such organised cultural training and recreative activities as are suited to their requirements, for any persons over compulsory school age who are able and willing to profit by facilities provided for that purpose. (6A) In the context of the definitions of secondary education and further education, references in this section to education include vocational, social, physical and recreational training. (7) References in this section to education do not include references to higher education.

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3 Definition of pupil etc.

(1) In this Act “pupil” means a person for whom education is being provided at a school, other than— (a) a person who has attained the age of 19 for whom further education is being provided, or (b) a person for whom part-time education suitable to the requirements of persons of any age over compulsory school age is being provided. and references to pupils in the context of the admission of pupils to, or the exclusion of pupils from, a school are references to persons who following their admission will be, or (as the case may be) before their exclusion were, pupils as defined by this subsection. (1A) A person is not for the purposes of this Act to be treated as a pupil at a school merely because any education is provided for him at the school in the exercise of the powers conferred by section 27 of the Education Act 2002 (power of governing body of maintained school to provide community facilities etc.). (2) In this Act— “junior pupil” means a child who has not attained the age of 12; and “senior pupil” means a person who has attained the age of 12 but not the age of 19. (3) The definition of “pupil” in subsections (1) and (1A) also apply (unless the context otherwise requires) for the purposes of any instrument made or having effect as if made under the Education Acts.

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4 Schools: general.

(1) In this Act (subject to subsections (1A) to (1C)) “school” means an educational institution which is outside the further education sector and the wider higher education sector and is an institution for providing— (a) primary education, (b) secondary education, or (c) both primary and secondary education, whether or not the institution also provides part-time education suitable to the requirements of junior pupils or further education. (1A) An institution which— (a) provides only early years provision (as defined by section 96(2) of the Childcare Act 2006), and (b) is not a maintained nursery school, is not a school. (1B) A 16 to 19 Academy is not a school. (1C) An alternative provision Academy is a school. (2) Nothing in subsection (1) shall be taken to preclude the making of arrangements under section 19(1) (exceptional educational provision) under which part-time education is to be provided at a school; and for the purposes of this Act an educational institution that would fall within subsection (1) but for the fact that it provides part-time rather than full-time education shall nevertheless be treated as a school if that part-time education is provided under arrangements made under section 19(1) . . .. (3) For the purposes of this Act an institution is outside the further education sector if it is not— (a) an institution conducted by a further education corporation established under section 15 or 16 of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992, or (b) a designated institution for the purposes of Part I of that Act (defined in section 28(4) of that Act ) , or (c) a sixth form college and references to institutions within that sector shall be construed accordingly. (4) For the purposes of this Act an institution is outside the wider higher education sector if — (a) in relation to England, it is not a registered higher education provider within the meaning given by section 3(10) of the Higher Education and Research Act 2017, or (b) in relation to Wales, it is not an institution within the higher education sector within the meaning given by section 91(5) of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992; and references to institutions within the wider higher education sector are to be construed accordingly.

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5 Primary schools, secondary schools and middle schools.

(1) In this Act “primary school” means (subject to regulations under subsection (4)) a school for providing primary education, whether or not it also provides part-time education suitable to the requirements of junior pupils or further education. (2) In this Act “secondary school” means (subject to regulations under subsection (4)) a school for providing secondary education, whether or not it also provides further education. (3) In this Act “middle school” means a school which, in pursuance of proposals published under any of the enactments specified in subsection (3A), has been established as, or altered so as to become, a school for providing full-time education suitable to the requirements of pupils who— (a) have attained a specified age below 10 years and six months, and (b) are under a specified age above 12 years. (3A) The enactments mentioned in subsection (3) are— (a) in relation to England— (i) section 28 or 28A of, or paragraph 5 of Schedule 7 to, the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, (ii) section 66 of, or paragraph 7 of Schedule 11 to, the Education Act 2005, and (iii) section 7, 10, 11 or 19 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006; (b) in relation to Wales, (i) section 28 of, or paragraph 5 of Schedule 7 to, the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, and (ii) section 48, 59 or 68 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 (4) The Secretary of State shall make regulations for determining, or enabling him to determine, whether a middle school is to be treated for the purposes of this Act and the other enactments relating to education as a primary school or as a secondary school. (5) The powers conferred by the enactments mentioned in subsection (3) (so far as relating to the establishment of middle schools) and the powers conferred by subsection (4) above are exercisable— (a) notwithstanding anything in this Act (and in particular section 1); but (b) without prejudice to the exercise of any other power conferred by this Act.

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6 Nursery schools ... .

(1) A primary school is a nursery school if it is used wholly or mainly for the purpose of providing education for children who have attained the age of two but are under compulsory school age. (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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7 Duty of parents to secure education of children of compulsory school age.

The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him to receive efficient full-time education suitable— (a) to his age, ability and aptitude, and (b) to any special educational needs (in the case of a child who is in the area of a local authority in England) or additional learning needs (in the case of a child who is in the area of a local authority in Wales) he may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.

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8 Compulsory school age.

(1) Subsections (2) and (3) apply to determine for the purposes of any enactment whether a person is of compulsory school age. (2) A person begins to be of compulsory school age— (a) when he attains the age of five, if he attains that age on a prescribed day, and (b) otherwise at the beginning of the prescribed day next following his attaining that age. (3) A person ceases to be of compulsory school age at the end of the day which is the school leaving date for any calendar year— (a) if he attains the age of 16 after that day but before the beginning of the school year next following, (b) if he attains that age on that day, or (c) (unless paragraph (a) applies) if that day is the school leaving date next following his attaining that age. (4) The Secretary of State may by order— (a) provide that such days in the year as are specified in the order shall be, for each calendar year, prescribed days for the purposes of subsection (2); (b) determine the day in any calendar year which is to be the school leaving date for that year.

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9 Pupils to be educated in accordance with parents’ wishes.

In exercising or performing all their respective powers and duties under the Education Acts, the Secretary of State and local authorities shall have regard to the general principle that pupils are to be educated in accordance with the wishes of their parents, so far as that is compatible with the provision of efficient instruction and training and the avoidance of unreasonable public expenditure.

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10 General duty of Secretary of State.

The Secretary of State shall promote the education of the people of England and Wales.

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11 Duty in the case of primary, secondary and further education.

(1) The Secretary of State shall exercise his powers in respect of those bodies in receipt of public funds which— (a) carry responsibility for securing that the required provision for primary, secondary or further education is made— (i) in schools, ... (ii) in institutions within the further education sector, or (iii) in 16 to 19 Academies, in or in any area of England or Wales, or (b) conduct schools, institutions within the further education sector or 16 to 19 Academies in England and Wales, for the purpose of promoting primary, secondary and further education in England and Wales. (2) The Secretary of State shall, in the case of his powers to regulate the provision made in schools, institutions within the further education sector and 16 to 19 Academies in England and Wales, exercise his powers with a view to (among other things) improving standards, encouraging diversity and increasing opportunities for choice.

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12 Local authorities and their areas.

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13 General responsibility for education.

(1) A local authority shall (so far as their powers enable them to do so) contribute towards the spiritual, moral, mental and physical development of the community by securing that efficient primary education, and secondary education and, in the case of a local authority in England, further education, are available to meet the needs of the population of their area. (2) The duty imposed by subsection (1) does not extend to matters in respect of which any duty is imposed on— (a) the the Secretary of State under Part 4 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 ... (ba) the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research, or (c) the Office for Students. (3) The reference in subsection (1) to further education is to further education for persons— (none) (a) who are over compulsory school age but under 19, or (b) who are aged 19 or over and for whom an EHC plan is maintained. (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (6) For the purposes of subsection (1), persons who are subject to a detention order are to be regarded as part of the population of the area in which they are detained (and not any other area).

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13A Duty to promote high standards and fulfilment of potential

(1) A local education authority in England must ensure that their relevant education functions and their relevant training functions are (so far as they are capable of being so exercised) exercised by the authority with a view to— (a) promoting high standards, (b) ensuring fair access to opportunity for education and training, and (c) promoting the fulfilment of learning potential by every person to whom this subsection applies. (2) Subsection (1) applies to the following— (a) persons under the age of 20; (b) persons aged 20 or over and for whom an EHC plan is maintained. (3) A local education authority in Wales must ensure that their relevant education functions and their relevant training functions are (so far as they are capable of being so exercised) exercised by the authority with a view to— (a) promoting high standards, and (b) promoting the fulfilment of learning potential by every person to whom this subsection applies. (4) Subsection (3) applies to persons under the age of 20. (5) In this section— “education” and “training” have the same meanings as in section 15ZA; “relevant education function”, in relation to a local education authority in England, means a function relating to the provision of education for— persons of compulsory school age (whether at school or otherwise); persons (whether at school or otherwise) who are over compulsory school age and to whom subsection (1) applies; persons who are under compulsory school age and are registered as pupils at schools maintained by the authority; “relevant education function”, in relation to a local education authority in Wales, means a function relating to the provision of education for— persons of compulsory school age (whether at school or otherwise); persons (whether at school or otherwise) who are over compulsory school age but under the age of 20; persons who are under compulsory school age and are registered as pupils at schools maintained by the authority; “relevant training function” means a function relating to the provision of training.

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14 Functions in respect of provision of primary and secondary schools.

(1) A local authority shall secure that sufficient schools for providing— (a) primary education, and (b) education that is secondary education by virtue of section 2(2)(a), are available for their area. (2) The schools available for an area shall not be regarded as sufficient for the purposes of subsection (1) unless they are sufficient in number, character and equipment to provide for all pupils the opportunity of appropriate education. (3) In subsection (2) “appropriate education” means education which offers such variety of instruction and training as may be desirable in view of— (a) the pupils’ different ages, abilities and aptitudes, and (b) the different periods for which they may be expected to remain at school, including practical instruction and training appropriate to their different needs. (3A) A local authority in England shall exercise their functions under this section with a view to— (a) securing diversity in the provision of schools, and (b) increasing opportunities for parental choice. (4) A local authority is not by virtue of subsection (1)(a) under any duty in respect of children under compulsory school age. (4A) A local authority for an area in Wales may secure that regional schools for providing— (a) primary education, and (b) education that is secondary education by virtue of section 2(2)(a), are available for Wales or any part of Wales that includes the area of the authority. (4B) For this purpose a “regional school”, in relation to a local authority, is a school maintained by that authority which provides education to meet both— (a) the needs of pupils with particular special educational needs additional learning needs in their area, and (b) the needs of such pupils in the rest, or any other part, of Wales, whether or not the institution also provides education suitable to the requirements of other pupils. (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (6) In exercising their functions under this section, a local authority shall in particular have regard to— (a) the need for securing that primary and secondary education are provided in separate schools; (b) the need for securing that special educational provision is made for pupils who have special educational needs (in the case of a local authority in England) or the need for securing that additional learning provision is made for pupils who have additional learning needs (in the case of a local authority in Wales); and (c) the expediency of securing the provision of boarding accommodation (in boarding schools or otherwise) for pupils for whom education as boarders is considered by their parents and the authority to be desirable. (7) The duty imposed by subsection (6)(a) does not apply in relation to middle schools or special schools.

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14A Duty of local authority to consider parental representations

(1) Where a local authority in England receive any representation from a parent of a qualifying child as to the exercise by the authority of their functions under section 14, the authority shall— (a) consider the representation and what action (if any) to take in response to it, and (b) within a reasonable time provide the parent with a statement setting out— (i) any action which the authority propose to take in response to the representation, or (ii) where the authority are of the opinion that no such action is necessary, their reasons for being of that opinion. (2) In subsection (1) “qualifying child”, in relation to a local authority, means any child in the authority's area who is of or under compulsory school age. (3) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to any representation which— (a) appears to the local authority to be frivolous or vexatious, or (b) is the same as, or similar to, a representation previously received by the authority from the same person. (4) In exercising their functions under this section, a local authority must have regard to any guidance given from time to time by the Secretary of State.

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15 Functions in respect of provision of further education.

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15ZA Duty in respect of education and training for persons over compulsory school age: England

(1) A relevant authority must secure that enough suitable education and training is provided to meet the reasonable needs of— (a) persons in their area who are over compulsory school age but under 19, and (b) persons in their area who are aged 19 or over and for whom an EHC plan is maintained. (2) A relevant authority may comply with subsection (1) by securing the provision of education or training outside as well as within their area. (3) In deciding for the purposes of subsection (1) whether education or training is suitable to meet persons' reasonable needs, a relevant authority must (in particular) have regard to— (a) the persons' ages, abilities and aptitudes; (b) any learning difficulties or disabilities the persons may have; (c) the quality of the education or training; (d) the locations and times at which the education or training is provided. (4) In performing the duty imposed by subsection (1) a relevant authority must— (a) act with a view to encouraging diversity in the education and training available to persons; (b) act with a view to increasing opportunities for persons to exercise choice; (c) act with a view to enabling persons to whom Part 1 of the Education and Skills Act 2008 applies to fulfil the duty imposed by section 2 of that Act; (d) take account of education and training whose provision the authority think might reasonably be secured by other persons. (5) A relevant authority must, in— (a) making any determination as to the provision of apprenticeship training that should be secured under subsection (1), or (b) securing the provision of any apprenticeship training under that subsection, co-operate with the Secretary of State. (6) For the purposes of this section a person has a learning difficulty or disability if— (a) the person has a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of persons of the same age, or (b) the person has a disability which either prevents or hinders the person from making use of facilities of a kind generally provided by institutions providing education or training for persons who are over compulsory school age. (7) But a person is not to be taken to have a learning difficulty or disability solely because the language (or form of language) in which the person is or will be taught is different from a language (or form of language) which has at any time been spoken in the person's home. (8) In this section— “apprenticeship training” means training provided in connection with— an approved English apprenticeship agreement (within the meaning given in section A1(3) of that Act), an apprenticeship agreement (within the meaning given in section 32 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009), any other contract of employment, ... any other kind of working in relation to which alternative English completion conditions apply under section 1(5) of that Act (meaning of “completing an English apprenticeship”); an alternative English apprenticeship (within the meaning given in section A1(4) of that Act); “education” includes full-time and part-time education; “training” includes— full-time and part-time training; vocational, social, physical and recreational training; apprenticeship training. (9) The duty in subsection (1) does not apply in relation to persons in a relevant authority's area who are subject to a detention order.

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15ZB Co-operation in performance of section 15ZA duty

Relevant authorities must co-operate with each other in performing their duties under section 15ZA(1).

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15ZC Encouragement of education and training for persons over compulsory school age: England

(1) A relevant authority must— (a) encourage participation in education and training by persons in their area who are within section 15ZA(1)(a) or (b); (b) encourage employers to participate in the provision of education and training for such persons. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b), participating in the provision of training includes participating by entering into— (a) an apprenticeship agreement (within the meaning given in section 32 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009), ... (aa) an approved English apprenticeship agreement (within the meaning given in section A1(3) of that Act), or (b) any other contract of employment in connection with which training is provided. (3) In this section “education” and “training” have the same meanings as in section 15ZA.

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15ZD Sections 15ZA to 15ZC: duty to have regard to guidance

In performing the duties imposed by sections 15ZA(1), 15ZB and 15ZC(1)(b) (duties in relation to education and training for persons over compulsory school age), a local authority in England must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

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15A Powers in respect of education and training for 16 to 18 year olds.

(1) A local authority in Wales may secure the provision for their area of full-time or part-time education suitable to the requirements of persons over compulsory school age who have not attained the age of 19, including provision for persons from other areas. (1ZA) A local authority in England may secure the provision for their area of full-time or part-time education suitable to the requirements of persons from other areas who are over compulsory school age but have not attained the age of 19. (1A) The power under subsections (1) and (1ZA) to secure the provision of education includes power to secure the provision— (a) of training, including vocational, social, physical and recreational training, and (b) of organised leisure time occupation (within the meaning of section 2(6)) which is provided in connection with the provision of education or of training within paragraph (a). (2) Subsections (6) and (7) of section 14 shall apply in relation to functions under this section in respect of secondary education as they apply in relation to functions under that section. (3) In exercising their functions under this section in respect of further education— (a) a local authority in England must in particular have regard to the needs of persons with learning difficulties or disabilities (within the meaning of section 15ZA(6) and (7)); (b) a local authority in Wales must in particular have regard to the needs of persons with learning difficulties (within the meaning of section 41(5) and (6) of the Learning and Skills Act 2000) additional learning needs. (3A) In exercising its functions under this section a local authority in Wales must also have regard to the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research’s strategic plan approved under section 15 of the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022. (4) A local authority may do anything which appears to them to be necessary or expedient for the purposes of or in connection with the exercise of their functions under this section.

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15B Functions in respect of education for persons over 19.

(1) A local authority may secure the provision for their area of full-time or part-time education suitable to the requirements of persons who have attained the age of 19, including provision for persons from other areas. (2) The power under subsection (1) to secure the provision of education includes power to secure the provision— (a) of training, including vocational, social, physical and recreational training, and (b) of organised leisure time occupation (within the meaning of section 2(6)) which is provided in connection with the provision of education or of training within paragraph (a). (3) In exercising their functions under this section— (a) a local authority in England must in particular have regard to the needs of persons with learning difficulties or disabilities (within the meaning of section 15ZA(6) and (7)); (b) a local authority in Wales must in particular have regard to the needs of persons with learning difficulties (within the meaning of section 41(5) and (6) of the Learning and Skills Act 2000) additional learning needs. (c) a local authority in Wales must also have regard to the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research’s strategic plan approved under section 15 of the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022. (4) A local authority may do anything which appears to them to be necessary or expedient for the purposes of or in connection with the exercise of their functions under this section. (5) This section does not apply to higher education.

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16 Power to establish, maintain and assist primary and secondary schools.

(1) For the purpose of fulfilling their functions under this Act, a local authority may— (a) establish primary schools and secondary schools; (b) maintain primary and secondary schools, whether established by them or not; and (c) assist any primary or secondary school which is not maintained by them. (2) A local authority may under subsection (1) establish, maintain and assist schools outside as well as inside their area. (3) A local authority may not under subsection (1) establish a school to provide— (a) part-time education suitable to the requirements of persons of any age over compulsory school age; or (b) full-time education suitable to the requirements of persons who have attained the age of 19. (3A) A local authority in England may not under subsection (1) establish a school which is principally concerned with the provision of full-time education suitable to the requirements of pupils who are over compulsory school age but under 19.

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17 Powers in respect of nursery schools .

(1) A local authority may— (a) establish nursery schools; (b) maintain nursery schools established by them or by an authority which was a local authority within the meaning of any enactment repealed by the Education Act 1944 or an earlier Act; and (c) assist any nursery school not so established. (2) Section 14(4) does not affect a local authority’s power under section 16(1) to establish, maintain and assist schools at which education is provided both for children under compulsory school age and for older pupils (including schools at which there are nursery classes for children under compulsory school age).

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18 Power to arrange provision of education at non-maintained schools.

A local authority may make arrangements for the provision of primary and secondary education for pupils at schools not maintained by them or another local authority.

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18A Provision of education for persons subject to youth detention

(1) A local authority must secure that— (a) enough suitable education is provided to meet the reasonable needs of children subject to youth detention in their area; (b) enough suitable education and training is provided to meet the reasonable needs of persons who are— (i) over compulsory school age but under 19, and (ii) subject to youth detention in their area. (2) In deciding for the purposes of subsection (1) whether education or training is suitable to meet persons' reasonable needs, a local authority in England must (in particular) have regard to— (a) the persons' ages, abilities and aptitudes; (b) in the case of a local authority in England, any special educational needs ... the persons may have; (ba) ... any learning difficulties or disabilities (within the meaning of section 15ZA(6) and (7)) the persons may have; (bb) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (c) the desirability of enabling persons to complete programmes of study or training which they have begun; (d) any relevant curriculum and the desirability that education received by persons subject to youth detention should be comparable with education which they could be expected to receive if they were attending a school or institution implementing a relevant curriculum; (e) the desirability of the core entitlement being satisfied in relation to persons over compulsory school age but under 19. (3) In subsection (2)(d), “relevant curriculum” means— (a) ... the National Curriculum for England established under section 87 of the Education Act 2002 as subsisting for the time being; (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (4) Section 17C (the core entitlement) applies for the purposes of subsection (2)(e). (4A) In deciding for the purposes of subsection (1) whether education or training is suitable to meet persons’ reasonable needs, a local authority in Wales must (in particular) have regard to— (a) the persons’ ages, abilities and aptitudes; (b) any additional learning needs the persons may have; (c) the desirability of enabling persons to complete programmes of study or training which they have begun; (d) the desirability that education received by young persons subject to youth detention should be comparable with education which they could be expected to receive if they were attending a school or institution implementing a relevant curriculum; (e) the desirability that education received by children subject to youth detention should— (i) enable them to develop in the ways described in the four purposes, (ii) offer them appropriate progression, (iii) be broad and balanced, so far as is appropriate for them, and (iv) provide teaching and learning that encompasses the areas of learning and experience (including the mandatory elements within those areas) and develops the cross-curricular skills. (4B) In subsection (4A)(d), “relevant curriculum”, in relation to a local authority in Wales, means any local curriculum formed by the authority for their area under section 33A of the Learning and Skills Act 2000 (formation of local curricula for students aged 16 to 18). (4C) In subsection (4A)(e), expressions that are defined in, or are given a meaning by, the Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 have the same meaning as in that Act. (5) Any arrangements made by a local authority under subsection (1) for the provision by another person (the “learning provider”) of education or training must require the learning provider, in making any determination as to the education or training to be provided for a particular person (“P”), to have regard to any information within subsection (6). (6) The information within this subsection is— (a) information provided under section 562F by a local authority as to the level of P's literacy and numeracy skills; (b) any other information provided under section 562F by P's home authority (within the meaning of Chapter 5A of Part 10) for the purpose of assisting a determination such as is mentioned in subsection (5). (7) In performing the duty imposed by subsection (1), a local authority must have regard to any guidance issued— (a) in the case of a local authority in England, by the Secretary of State; (b) in the case of a local authority in Wales, by the Welsh Ministers. (8) For the purposes of subsection (1), a person is subject to youth detention in the area of a local authority if— (a) subject to a detention order, and (b) detained in relevant youth accommodation in the area of the authority.

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19 Exceptional provision of education in pupil referral units or elsewhere : England

(1) Each local authority in England shall make arrangements for the provision of suitable . . . education at school or otherwise than at school for those children of compulsory school age who, by reason of illness, exclusion from school or otherwise, may not for any period receive suitable education unless such arrangements are made for them. (1A) ... Subsection (1) does not apply in the case of a child— (a) who will cease to be of compulsory school age within the next six weeks, and (b) does not have any relevant examinations to complete. In paragraph (b) “relevant examinations” means any public examinations or other assessments for which the child has been entered. (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2B) Any school established in England (whether before or after the commencement of this Act) and maintained by a local authority in England which— (a) is specially organised to provide education for such children, and (b) is not a community or foundation school, a community or foundation special school, or a maintained nursery school, shall be known as a “pupil referral unit”. (3) A local authority in England may secure the provision of boarding accommodation at any pupil referral unit. (3A) ... The education to be provided for a child in pursuance of arrangements made by a local authority under subsection (1) shall be— (a) full-time education, or (b) in the case of a child within subsection (3AA), education on such part-time basis as the authority consider to be in the child's best interests. (3AA) A child is within this subsection if the local authority consider that, for reasons which relate to the physical or mental health of the child, it would not be in the child's best interests for full-time education to be provided for the child. (3B) Regulations may provide that the education to be provided for a child in pursuance of arrangements made by a local authority in England under subsection (1) must be provided from a day that, in relation to the pupil concerned, is determined in accordance with the regulations . (4) A local authority in England may make arrangements for the provision of suitable . . . education otherwise than at school for those young persons who, by reason of illness, exclusion from school or otherwise, may not for any period receive suitable education unless such arrangements are made for them. (4A) In determining what arrangements to make under subsection (1) or (4) in the case of any child or young person a local authority shall have regard to any guidance given from time to time by the Secretary of State. (5) Any child for whom education is provided otherwise than at school in pursuance of this section, and any young person for whom full-time education is so provided in pursuance of this section, shall be treated for the purposes of this Act as a pupil. (6) In this section— “relevant school” means— a maintained school, an Academy, a city technology college, or a city college for the technology of the arts; “suitable education”, in relation to a child or young person in the area of a local authority in England, means efficient education suitable to his age, ability and aptitude and to any special educational needs he may have and in relation to a child or young person in the area of a local authority in Wales, means efficient education suitable to the child's or young person's age, ability and aptitude and to any additional learning needs the child or young person may have (and “suitable full-time education” is to be read accordingly). (7) Schedule 1 has effect in relation to pupil referral units maintained by a local authority in England.

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19A Exceptional provision of education in pupil referral units or elsewhere: Wales

(1) Each local authority in Wales must make arrangements for the provision of suitable education at school or otherwise than at school for children within the authority's area who— (a) are of compulsory school age, and (b) by reason of illness, exclusion from school or otherwise, may not receive suitable education for a period unless such arrangements are made for them. (2) A school established (whether before or after the commencement of this Act) and maintained by a local authority in Wales which— (a) is specially organised to provide education for children falling within subsection (1), and (b) is not a special school, is to be known as a “pupil referral unit”. (3) A local authority in Wales may secure the provision of boarding accommodation at any pupil referral unit. (4) A local authority in Wales may make arrangements for the provision of suitable education otherwise than at a school for young persons within the authority's area who, by reason of illness, exclusion from school or otherwise, may not receive a suitable education for a period unless such arrangements are made for them. (5) In this section, “suitable education”, in relation to a child or young person means efficient education suitable to the child’s or the young person's age, ability and aptitude and to any additional learning needs the child or young person may have. (6) The following persons are to be treated as pupils for the purposes of this Act— (a) any child for whom education is provided otherwise than at school under this section, and (b) any young person for whom full-time education is provided otherwise than at school under this section. (7) Schedule 1 has effect in relation to pupil referral units maintained by local authorities in Wales.

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19B Schools to co-operate with local authority in securing adequate provision (England)

(1) This section applies where it is reasonably foreseeable that decisions about a relevant school in England will affect the ability of a local authority in England to discharge its duties under section 14 or section 19(1). (2) The responsible body for the school must co-operate with the local authority with a view to achieving the objective in subsection (3). (3) The objective is that decisions about the school will result in the school contributing, so far as is reasonable, to the effective discharge by the local authority of the duties concerned. (4) For the purposes of subsection (1), a “relevant school” is a school within the first column of the following table, and the “responsible body” for such a school is identified in the second column— “Relevant school” | “Responsible body” A community school, foundation school, voluntary school, community special school or foundation special school | The governing body for the school An Academy school or an alternative provision Academy | The proprietor of the school A pupil referral unit for which there is a management committee (see paragraph 15 of Schedule 1) | The management committee for the unit (5) In the application of this section to the management committee for a pupil referral unit, the reference in subsection (2) to the local authority is to be read as a reference to the local authority so far as it acts other than through the committee.

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