Leaving school? Get the facts about when you can leave....
Some FAQ's:
Q1 - When can I leave school and get a full time job?
Answer - You can only start a full time job once you've legally left school, normally at the end of Year 11. If you live in England or Wales there is an official school leaving date each year - this is always the last Friday in June.
In 2009, the official leaving date for Year 11 leavers will be FRIDAY 26th JUNE.
Q2 - Can I leave school and get a full time job as soon as I reach my 16th birthday?
Answer - No. You can only start a full time job once you've officially left school on the last last Friday in June - even if you've turned 16 before this date.
Q3 - Can I leave school at Christmas or Easter?
Answer - No. If you live in England or Wales you can only leave school once you've officially left school - on the last Friday in June.
Q4 - Can I leave school and get a full time job as soon as I get my National Insurance Card?
Answer - No. You have to wait until the official school leaving date - the last Friday in June.
Q5 - Can I start a full time job if I've legally left school but I'm still only 15?
Answer - If your birthday falls in late June, July or August you may still only be 15 when you officially leave school - on the last Friday in June. Legally, you are eligible to start a full time job BUT many employers have insurance policies to protect their workforce which require all employees to be at least 16 years old. For this reason, some employers will not employ young people in a full time job until they've reached their 16th birthday.
