Education Act 1996

General functions E+W

13 General responsibility for education. E+W

(1) A [F1 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, [F2 and secondary education] [F3 and, in the case of a [F1 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—

[F4 (a) the [F5 the Secretary of State under Part 4 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009] F6 ...]

[F7 (aa) the National Assembly for Wales under Part 2 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000, or]

[F8 (b) the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, or

(c) the Office for Students.]

[F9 (3) The reference in subsection (1) to further education is to further education for persons—

“(a) who are over compulsory school age but under 19, or

(b) who are aged 19 or over [F10 and for whom an EHC plan is maintained].”

F11 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F12 (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).]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Act substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children’s Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), Sch. 2 para. 7(2) (with Sch. 2 para. 7(4)(5))

F2 Words in s. 13(1) substituted (28.7.2000 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 21, ss. 149, 154, Sch. 9 para. 52(2) (with s. 150); S.I. 2001/654, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. II (with art. 3); S.I. 2001/1274, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. I

F3 Words in s. 13(1) inserted (1.4.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), s. 269(4), Sch. 2 para. 2(2); S.I. 2010/303, art. 3, Sch. 2

F4 S. 13(2)(a)(b) substituted (28.7.2000 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 21, ss. 149, 154, Sch. 9 para. 52(3) (with s. 150); S.I. 2001/654, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. II (with art. 3)

F5 Words in s. 13(2)(a) substituted (26.5.2015) by Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), s. 115(3)(g), Sch. 14 para. 43

F6 Words in s. 13(2)(a) omitted (1.4.2006) by virtue of The National Council for Education and Training for Wales (Transfer of Functions to the National Assembly for Wales and Abolition) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3238), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 32(a) (with art. 7)

F7 S. 13(2)(aa) inserted (1.4.2006) by The National Council for Education and Training for Wales (Transfer of Functions to the National Assembly for Wales and Abolition) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3238), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 32(b) (with art. 7)

F8 S. 13(2)(b)(c) substituted for s. 13(2)(b) (1.4.2018) by Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 28; S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s)

F9 S. 13(3)-(6) inserted (1.4.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), s. 269(4), Sch. 2 para. 2(3); S.I. 2010/303, art. 3, Sch. 2

F10 Words in s. 13(3)(b) substituted (1.9.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 3 para. 3(2); S.I. 2014/889, art. 7(a) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/2270 (as amended (1.4.2015) by S.I. 2015/505)

F11 S. 13(4) omitted (1.9.2014) by virtue of Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 3 para. 3(3); S.I. 2014/889, art. 7(a) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/2270 (as amended (1.4.2015) by S.I. 2015/505)

F12 S. 13(5) omitted (1.9.2014) by virtue of Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 3 para. 3(3); S.I. 2014/889, art. 7(a) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/2270 (as amended (1.4.2015) by S.I. 2015/505)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 13 modified (prosp.) by Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (c. 41), ss. 36, 162 (with s. 159)

[F13 13A Duty to promote high standards and fulfilment of potential E+W

(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 [F14 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—

  (a)

  persons of compulsory school age (whether at school or otherwise);

  (b)

  persons (whether at school or otherwise) who are over compulsory school age and to whom subsection (1) applies;

  (c)

  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—

  (a)

  persons of compulsory school age (whether at school or otherwise);

  (b)

  persons (whether at school or otherwise) who are over compulsory school age but under the age of 20;

  (c)

  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.]

Textual Amendments

F13 S. 13A substituted (1.4.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), s. 269(4), Sch. 2 para. 3; S.I. 2010/303, art. 3, Sch. 2

F14 Words in s. 13A(2)(b) substituted (1.9.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 3 para. 4; S.I. 2014/889, art. 7(a) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/2270 (as amended (1.4.2015) by S.I. 2015/505)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 13A functions made exercisable concurrently (23.12.2016) by The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (Functions and Amendment) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/1267), arts. 1(2), 12(1)(b)(2)(3)

C3 S. 13A functions made exercisable concurrently (2.11.2018) by The Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland Combined Authority (Establishment and Functions) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/1133), arts. 1, 18 (with art. 28)

C4 S. 13A: functions made exercisable concurrently (28.7.2020) by The Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority (Functions and Amendment) Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/806), arts. 1, 5(1)(2)(b)(3)-(5)

C5 S. 13A: functions made exercisable concurrently (30.1.2021) by The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (Election of Mayor and Functions) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/112), arts. 1(2), 5(1)-(5)

14 Functions in respect of provision of primary and secondary schools. E+W

(1) A [F1 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.

[F15 (3A) A [F1 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 [F1 local authority] is not by virtue of subsection (1)(a) under any duty in respect of children under [F16 compulsory school age].

[F17 (4A) A [F1 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 [F1 local authority], is a school maintained by that authority which provides education to meet both—

(a) the needs of pupils with particular [F18 special educational needs] [F18 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.]

F19 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) In exercising their functions under this section, a [F1 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 [F20 (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.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Act substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children’s Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), Sch. 2 para. 7(2) (with Sch. 2 para. 7(4)(5))

F15 S. 14(3A) inserted (25.5.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 2, 188(3); S.I. 2007/935, art. 7(a)

F16 Words in s. 14(4) substituted (1.8.1998) by 1997 c. 44, s. 57(1), Sch. 7 para. 12; S.I. 1998/386, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. III

F17 S. 14(4A)(4B) inserted (19.12.2002) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), ss. 194(1), 216(3) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/3185, arts. 2, 4, Sch. Pt. 1

F18 Words in s. 14(4B) substituted (1.9.2021 for specified purposes, 1.1.2022 for specified purposes, 1.9.2022 for specified purposes) by Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (anaw 2), s. 100(3), Sch. 1 para. 4(3)(a); S.I. 2021/373, arts. 3, 4, 6, 7 (as amended by S.I. 2021/938, art. 2); S.I. 2021/1243, art. 3 (with arts. 4-23) (as amended by S.I. 2021/1428, art. 2); S.I. 2021/1244, art. 3 (with arts. 4-21) (as amended by S.I. 2021/1428, art. 3); S.I. 2021/1245, arts. 3, 4 (with art. 1(4)); S.I. 2022/891, art. 3 (with arts. 4-25); S.I. 2022/892, arts. 2, 3 (with arts. 4-18); S.I. 2022/893, art. 4; S.I. 2022/894, art. 3; S.I. 2022/895, arts. 3, 4; S.I. 2022/896, art. 3 (with arts. 1(7), 4-22); S.I. 2022/897, art. 3 (with arts. 1(8), 4-21); S.I. 2022/898, arts. 2, 3

F19 S. 14(5) repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para. 62, Sch.31 (with 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with savings in Sch. 7 paras. 2-4, 6, 7, 10, 12)

F20 Words in s. 14(6)(b) inserted (1.9.2021 for specified purposes, 1.1.2022 for specified purposes, 1.9.2022 for specified purposes) by Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (anaw 2), s. 100(3), Sch. 1 para. 4(3)(b); S.I. 2021/373, arts. 3, 4, 6, 7 (as amended by S.I. 2021/938, art. 2); S.I. 2021/1243, art. 3 (with arts. 4-23) (as amended by S.I. 2021/1428, art. 2); S.I. 2021/1244, art. 3 (with arts. 4-21) (as amended by S.I. 2021/1428, art. 3); S.I. 2021/1245, arts. 3, 4 (with art. 1(4)); S.I. 2022/891, art. 3 (with arts. 4-25); S.I. 2022/892, arts. 2, 3 (with arts. 4-18); S.I. 2022/893, art. 4; S.I. 2022/894, art. 3; S.I. 2022/895, arts. 3, 4; S.I. 2022/896, art. 3 (with arts. 1(7), 4-22); S.I. 2022/897, art. 3 (with arts. 1(8), 4-21); S.I. 2022/898, arts. 2, 3

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 14: power to modify conferred (temp.) (25.3.2020) by Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 87(1), Sch. 17 para. 7 (with ss. 88-90) (which affecting provision expires (25.9.2022) by virtue of Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 89 (with s. 90))

[F21 14A Duty of [F1 local authority] to consider parental representations E+W

(1) Where a [F1 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 [F1 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 [F1 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 [F1 local authority] must have regard to any guidance given from time to time by the Secretary of State.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Act substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children’s Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), Sch. 2 para. 7(2) (with Sch. 2 para. 7(4)(5))

F21 S. 14A inserted (25.5.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), ss. 3, 188(3); S.I. 2007/935, art. 7(a)

F22 15 Functions in respect of provision of further education. E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F22 S. 15 repealed (28.7.2000 for certain purposes otherwise 1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 21, ss. 149, 153, 154, Sch. 9 para. 53, Sch. 11 (with s. 150); S.I. 2001/654, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. II (with art. 3); S.I. 2001/1274, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. I

[F23 15ZA Duty in respect of education and training for persons over compulsory school age: England E+W

(1) A [F1 local authority] in England 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 [F24 and for whom an EHC plan is maintained].

(2) A [F1 local 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 [F1 local authority] must (in particular) have regard to—

(a) the persons' ages, abilities and aptitudes;

(b) any learning difficulties [F25 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 [F1 local 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 [F1 local 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 [F26 the Secretary of State].

(6) For the purposes of this section a person has a learning difficulty [F27 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 [F28 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—

  (aa)

  [F29 an approved English apprenticeship agreement (within the meaning given in section A1(3) of that Act),]

  (a)

  an apprenticeship agreement (within the meaning given in section 32 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009),

  (b)

  any other contract of employment, F30 ...

  (c)

  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”);

  (d)

  [F31 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—

  (a)

  full-time and part-time training;

  (b)

  vocational, social, physical and recreational training;

  (c)

  apprenticeship training.

[F32 (9) The duty in subsection (1) does not apply in relation to persons in a local authority's area who are subject to a detention order.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Act substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children’s Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), Sch. 2 para. 7(2) (with Sch. 2 para. 7(4)(5))

F23 Ss. 15ZA, 15ZB inserted (1.4.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 41, 269(4); S.I. 2010/303, art. 3, Sch. 2

F24 Words in s. 15ZA(1) substituted (1.9.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 3 para. 5(2); S.I. 2014/889, art. 7(a) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/2270 (as amended (1.4.2015) by S.I. 2015/505)

F25 Words in s. 15ZA(3)(b) inserted (1.9.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 3 para. 5(3); S.I. 2014/889, art. 7(a) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/2270 (as amended (1.4.2015) by S.I. 2015/505)

F26 Words in s. 15ZA(5) substituted (26.5.2015) by Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), s. 115(3)(g), Sch. 14 para. 44

F27 Words in s. 15ZA(6) inserted (1.9.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 3 para. 5(4); S.I. 2014/889, art. 7(a) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/2270 (as amended (1.4.2015) by S.I. 2015/505)

F28 Words in s. 15ZA(7) inserted (1.9.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 3 para. 5(4); S.I. 2014/889, art. 7(a) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/2270 (as amended (1.4.2015) by S.I. 2015/505)

F29 Words in s. 15ZA(8) inserted (24.11.2015) by The English Apprenticeships (Consequential Amendments to Primary Legislation) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/1852), arts. 1, 2(2)(a)

F30 Word in s. 15ZA(8) omitted (24.11.2015) by virtue of The English Apprenticeships (Consequential Amendments to Primary Legislation) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/1852), arts. 1, 2(2)(b)

F31 Words in s. 15ZA(8) inserted (24.11.2015) by The English Apprenticeships (Consequential Amendments to Primary Legislation) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/1852), arts. 1, 2(2)(b)

F32 S. 15ZA(9) substituted (1.9.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 3 para. 5(5); S.I. 2014/889, art. 7(a) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/2270 (as amended (1.4.2015) by S.I. 2015/505)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 15ZA(6)(7) applied (1.4.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 83(4), 269(4); S.I. 2010/303, art. 3, Sch. 2

C8 S. 15ZA functions made exercisable concurrently (1.4.2011) by The Greater Manchester Combined Authority Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/908), arts. 1, 10, Sch. 3 para. 6

C9 S. 15ZA functions made exercisable concurrently (1.4.2014) by The Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/863), art. 1, Sch. 2 para. 4

C10 S. 15ZA functions made exercisable concurrently (1.4.2014) by The Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton and Wirral Combined Authority Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/865), art. 1, Sch. 2 para. 3 (with art. 8(4))

C11 S. 15ZA functions made exercisable concurrently (15.4.2014) by The Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland Combined Authority Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/1012), arts. 1, 12(1), Sch. 2 para. 3

C12 S. 15ZA functions made exercisable concurrently (1.4.2016) by The Tees Valley Combined Authority Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/449), arts. 1(a), 7, Sch. 2 para. 3

C13 Ss. 15ZA-15ZC functions made exercisable concurrently (17.6.2016) by The West Midlands Combined Authority Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/653), art. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 3

C14 S. 15ZA functions made exercisable concurrently (9.2.2017) by The West of England Combined Authority Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/126), arts. 1(3), 25(1), Sch. 5 paras. 1, 3

C15 S. 15ZA functions made exercisable (3.3.2017) by The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/251), arts. 1(2)(b), 10(b)

C16 S. 15ZA functions made exercisable concurrently (2.11.2018) by The Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland Combined Authority (Establishment and Functions) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/1133), arts. 1, 18 (with art. 28)

15ZB Co-operation in performance of section 15ZA duty E+W

[F33 Local authorities] in England must co-operate with each other in performing their duties under section 15ZA(1).]

Textual Amendments

F23 Ss. 15ZA, 15ZB inserted (1.4.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 41, 269(4); S.I. 2010/303, art. 3, Sch. 2

F33 Words in Act substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children’s Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), Sch. 2 para. 7(3) (with Sch. 2 para. 7(4)(5))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 Ss. 15ZA-15ZC functions made exercisable concurrently (17.6.2016) by The West Midlands Combined Authority Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/653), art. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 3

C17 S. 15ZB functions made exercisable concurrently (1.4.2011) by The Greater Manchester Combined Authority Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/908), arts. 1, 10, Sch. 3 para. 6

C18 S. 15ZB functions made exercisable concurrently (1.4.2014) by The Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton and Wirral Combined Authority Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/865), art. 1, Sch. 2 para. 3 (with art. 8(4))

C19 S. 15ZB functions made exercisable concurrently (1.4.2014) by The Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/863), art. 1, Sch. 2 para. 4

C20 S. 15ZB functions made exercisable concurrently (15.4.2014) by The Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland Combined Authority Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/1012), arts. 1, 12(1), Sch. 2 para. 3

C21 S. 15ZB functions made exercisable concurrently (1.4.2016) by The Tees Valley Combined Authority Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/449), arts. 1(a), 7, Sch. 2 para. 3

C22 S. 15ZB functions made exercisable concurrently (9.2.2017) by The West of England Combined Authority Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/126), arts. 1(3), 25(1), Sch. 5 paras. 1, 3

C23 S. 15ZB functions made exercisable (3.3.2017) by The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/251), arts. 1(2)(b), 10(b)

C24 S. 15ZB functions made exercisable concurrently (2.11.2018) by The Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland Combined Authority (Establishment and Functions) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/1133), arts. 1, 18 (with art. 28)

[F34 15ZC Encouragement of education and training for persons over compulsory school age: England E+W

(1) A [F1 local authority] in England 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), F35 ...

[F36 (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.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Act substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children’s Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), Sch. 2 para. 7(2) (with Sch. 2 para. 7(4)(5))

F34 S. 15ZC inserted (1.4.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 42, 269(4); S.I. 2010/303, art. 3, Sch. 2

F35 Word in s. 15ZC(2)(a) omitted (24.11.2015) by virtue of The English Apprenticeships (Consequential Amendments to Primary Legislation) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/1852), arts. 1, 2(3)

F36 S. 15ZC(2)(aa) inserted (24.11.2015) by The English Apprenticeships (Consequential Amendments to Primary Legislation) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/1852), arts. 1, 2(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 Ss. 15ZA-15ZC functions made exercisable concurrently (17.6.2016) by The West Midlands Combined Authority Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/653), art. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 3

C25 S. 15ZC functions made exercisable concurrently (1.4.2011) by The Greater Manchester Combined Authority Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/908), arts. 1, 10, Sch. 3 para. 6

C26 S. 15ZC functions made exercisable concurrently (1.4.2014) by The Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton and Wirral Combined Authority Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/865), art. 1, Sch. 2 para. 3 (with art. 8(4))

C27 S. 15ZC functions made exercisable concurrently (1.4.2014) by The Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/863), art. 1, Sch. 2 para. 4

C28 S. 15ZC functions made exercisable concurrently (15.4.2014) by The Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland Combined Authority Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/1012), arts. 1, 12(1), Sch. 2 para. 3

C29 S. 15ZC functions made exercisable concurrently (1.4.2016) by The Tees Valley Combined Authority Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/449), arts. 1(a), 7, Sch. 2 para. 3

C30 S. 15ZC functions made exercisable concurrently (9.2.2017) by The West of England Combined Authority Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/126), arts. 1(3), 25(1), Sch. 5 paras. 1, 3

C31 S. 15ZC functions made exercisable (3.3.2017) by The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/251), arts. 1(2)(b), 10(b)

C32 S. 15ZC functions made exercisable concurrently (2.11.2018) by The Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland Combined Authority (Establishment and Functions) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/1133), arts. 1, 18 (with art. 28)

[F37 15ZD Sections 15ZA to 15ZC: duty to have regard to guidance E+W

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.]

Textual Amendments

F37 S. 15ZD inserted (1.4.2012) by Education Act 2011 (c. 21), s. 82(3), Sch. 16 para. 11; S.I. 2012/924, art. 2

[F39 15A [F38 Powers in respect of education and training] for 16 to 18 year olds. E+W

(1) A [F1 local authority] [F40 in Wales] may secure the provision for their area of full-time [F41 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.

[F42 (1ZA) A [F1 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.]

[F43 (1A) The power under [F44 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.]

[F45 (3) In exercising their functions under this section in respect of further education[F46 —

(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 [F47 learning difficulties (within the meaning of section 41(5) and (6) of the Learning and Skills Act 2000)] [F47 additional learning needs].]

(4) A [F1 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.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Act substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children’s Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), Sch. 2 para. 7(2) (with Sch. 2 para. 7(4)(5))

F38 Words in s. 15A title substituted (1.4.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), s. 269(4), Sch. 2 para. 4(6); S.I. 2010/303, art. 3, Sch. 2

F39 S. 15A inserted (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1), Sch. 30 para. 63 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with savings in Sch. 7 paras. 2-4, 6, 7, 10, 12)

F40 Words in s. 15A(1) inserted (1.4.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), s. 269(4), Sch. 2 para. 4(2); S.I. 2010/303, art. 3, Sch. 2

F41 Words in s. 15A(1) inserted (28.7.2000 for certain purposes otherwise 1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 21, ss. 149, 154(5), Sch. 9 para. 54(2) (with s. 150); S.I. 2001/654, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. II (with art. 3); S.I. 2001/1274, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. I

F42 S. 15A(1ZA) inserted (1.4.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), s. 269(4), Sch. 2 para. 4(3); S.I. 2010/303, art. 3, Sch. 2

F43 S. 15A(1A) inserted (28.7.2000 for certain purposes otherwise 1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 21, ss. 149, 154(5), Sch. 9 para. 54(3) (with s. 150) S.I. 2001/654, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. II (with art. 3); S.I. 2001/1274, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. I

F44 Words in s. 15A(1A) substituted (1.4.2010) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), s. 269(4), Sch. 2 para. 4(4); S.I. 2010/303, art. 3, Sch. 2

F45 S. 15A(3)(4) inserted (28.7.2000 for certain purposes otherwise 1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 21, ss. 149, 154(5), Sch. 9 para. 54(5) (with s. 150) S.I. 2001/654, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. II (with art. 3); S.I. 2001/1274, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. I

F46 S. 15A(3)(a)(b) substituted for words (1.9.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 3 para. 6; S.I. 2014/889, art. 7(a) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/2270 (as amended (1.4.2015) by S.I. 2015/505)

F47 Words in s. 15A(3)(b) substituted (1.9.2021 for specified purposes, 1.1.2022 for specified purposes, 1.9.2022 for specified purposes) by Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (anaw 2), s. 100(3), Sch. 1 para. 4(4); S.I. 2021/373, arts. 3, 4, 6, 7 (as amended by S.I. 2021/938, art. 2); S.I. 2021/1243, art. 3 (with arts. 4-23) (as amended by S.I. 2021/1428, art. 2); S.I. 2021/1244, art. 3 (with arts. 4-21) (as amended by S.I. 2021/1428, art. 3); S.I. 2021/1245, arts. 3, 4 (with art. 1(4)); S.I. 2022/891, art. 3 (with arts. 4-25); S.I. 2022/892, arts. 2, 3 (with arts. 4-18); S.I. 2022/893, art. 4; S.I. 2022/894, art. 3; S.I. 2022/895, arts. 3, 4; S.I. 2022/896, art. 3 (with arts. 1(7), 4-22); S.I. 2022/897, art. 3 (with arts. 1(8), 4-21); S.I. 2022/898, arts. 2, 3

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C33 S. 15A restricted (1.4.2001 (W.) and 1.8.2002 (E.)) by 2000 c. 21, s. 110(4) (with s. 150); S.I. 2001/1274, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. I; S.I. 2002/279, art. 2(3)(b)

C34 S. 15A functions made exercisable concurrently (23.12.2016) by The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (Functions and Amendment) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/1267), arts. 1(2), 12(1)(c)(2)(3)

C35 S. 15A: functions made exercisable concurrently (28.7.2020) by The Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority (Functions and Amendment) Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/806), arts. 1, 5(1)(2)(c)(3)-(5)

C36 Words in s. 15A(2) inserted (28.7.2000 for certain purposes otherwise 1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 21, ss. 149, 154(5), Sch. 9 para. 54(4) (with s. 150); S.I. 2001/654, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. II (with art. 3); S.I. 2001/1274, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. I

[F48 15B Functions in respect of education for persons over 19. E+W

(1) A [F1 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[F49 —

(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 [F50 learning difficulties (within the meaning of section 41(5) and (6) of the Learning and Skills Act 2000] [F50 additional learning needs]).]

(4) A [F1 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.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Act substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children’s Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1158), Sch. 2 para. 7(2) (with Sch. 2 para. 7(4)(5))

F48 S. 15B inserted (28.7.2000 for certain purposes otherwise 1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 21, ss. 149, 154(5), Sch. 9 para. 55 (with s. 150); S.I. 2001/654, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. II (with art. 3); S.I. 2001/1274, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. I

F49 S. 15B(3)(a)(b) substituted for words (1.9.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 3 para. 7; S.I. 2014/889, art. 7(a) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2014/2270 (as amended (1.4.2015) by S.I. 2015/505)

F50 Words in s. 15B(3)(b) substituted (1.9.2021 for specified purposes, 1.1.2022 for specified purposes, 1.9.2022 for specified purposes) by Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (anaw 2), s. 100(3), Sch. 1 para. 4(5); S.I. 2021/373, arts. 3, 4, 6, 7 (as amended by S.I. 2021/938, art. 2); S.I. 2021/1243, art. 3 (with arts. 4-23) (as amended by S.I. 2021/1428, art. 2); S.I. 2021/1244, art. 3 (with arts. 4-21) (as amended by S.I. 2021/1428, art. 3); S.I. 2021/1245, arts. 3, 4 (with art. 1(4)); S.I. 2022/891, art. 3 (with arts. 4-25); S.I. 2022/892, arts. 2, 3 (with arts. 4-18); S.I. 2022/893, art. 4; S.I. 2022/894, art. 3; S.I. 2022/895, arts. 3, 4; S.I. 2022/896, art. 3 (with arts. 1(7), 4-22); S.I. 2022/897, art. 3 (with arts. 1(8), 4-21); S.I. 2022/898, arts. 2, 3

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C37 S. 15B functions made exercisable concurrently (23.12.2016) by The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (Functions and Amendment) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/1267), arts. 1(2), 12(1)(d)(2)(3)

C38 S. 15B: functions made exercisable concurrently (28.7.2020) by The Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority (Functions and Amendment) Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/806), arts. 1, 5(1)(2)(d)(3)-(5)