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Education Act 1996

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Changes to legislation:

Education Act 1996, Part I is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 14 November 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

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Whole provisions yet to be inserted into this Act (including any effects on those provisions):

Part IE+W General

Chapter IE+W The statutory system of education

GeneralE+W

1 The stages of education.E+W

(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 [F1local authorities] with respect to primary, secondary and further education; F2. . .

F2(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3)Part I of the M1Further and Higher Education Act 1992 [F3makes 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.

Textual Amendments

F2S. 1(2)(b) and preceding word repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para. 58, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with savings in Sch. 7 paras.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)

F3Words in s. 1(3) substituted (28.7.2000 for certain purposes otherwise 1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 21, ss. 149, 154(5), Sch. 9 para. 51 (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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1S. 1(4) excluded by 2002 c. 32, s. 28A(5) (as inserted (1.9.2005 for E., 1.9.2006 for W.) by Education Act 2005 (c. 18), ss. 105, 125(4); S.I. 2005/2034, art. 4; S.I. 2006/1338, art. 3, Sch. 1)

Marginal Citations

2 Definition of primary, secondary and further education.E+W

[F4(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.

[F5(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 [F6local authority] [F7or 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 [F8or 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 [F9or 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 [F10(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) [F11or (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.

[F12(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.

Textual Amendments

F4S. 2(1) substituted (1.10.2002 for E., 31.3.2004 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), ss. 156(2), 216(4) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3; S.I. 2004/912, art. 4, Sch. Pt. 1

F5S. 2(2A)(2B) inserted (1.9.2000 for E. for certain purposes and 1.4.2001 otherwise for E.W.) by 2000 c. 21, s. 110(1) (with s. 150); S.I. 2000/2114, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. III; S.I. 2001/654, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. II (with art. 3); S.I. 2001/1274, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. I (with art. 3)

F7Words in s. 2(2A)(a) inserted (26.7.2002) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), ss. 65(3), 216(2), Sch. 7 para. 6(2) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2002, art. 2

F8Words in s. 2(2B)(b) inserted (1.10.2002 for E., 1.8.2004 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), ss. 177(2)(a), 216(4) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3; S.I. 2004/912, art. 5, Sch. Pt. 2

F9Words in s. 2(2B) inserted (1.10.2002 for E., 1.8.2004 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), ss. 177(2)(b), 216(4) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3; S.I. 2004/912, art. 5, Sch. Pt. 2

F10Words in s. 2(3)(a) repealed (1.10.2002 for E., 1.8.2004 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 22 Pt. 3 (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3; S.I. 2004/912, art. 5, Sch. Pt. 2

F11Words in s. 2(4) inserted (1.10.2002 for E., 19.12.2002 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), ss. 215(1), 216(4), Sch. 21 para. 33 (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3; S.I. 2002/3185, art. 4, Sch. Pt. 1

F12S. 2(6A) inserted (1.10.2002 for E., 1.8.2004 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), ss. 177(3), 216(4) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3; S.I. 2004/912, art. 5, Sch. Pt. 2

3 Definition of pupil etc.E+W

(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.

[F13and 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.]

[F14(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 [F15subsections (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.

Textual Amendments

F13Words in s. 3(1) inserted (1.9.1997) by 1997 c. 44, s. 57(1), Sch. 7 para. 9(2); S.I. 1997/1468, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. II

F15Words in s. 3(3) substituted (2.9.2002 for E., 1.9.2003 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 21 para. 34(3) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2002, art. 4; S.I. 2003/1718, art. 5, Sch. Pt. II

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2S. 3: power to modify conferred (temp.) (25.3.2020) by Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 87(1), Sch. 17 para. 5 (with ss. 88-90)

Educational institutionsE+W

4 Schools: general.E+W

[F16(1)In this Act [F17(subject to [F18subsections (1A) to (1C)])]school” means an educational institution which is outside the further education sector and the [F19wider] 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 [F20part-time education suitable to the requirements of junior pupils or] further education.]

[F21(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.]

[F22(1B)A 16 to 19 Academy is not a school.

(1C)An alternative provision Academy is a school.]

(2)[F23Nothing 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) F24. . ..

(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 M2Further 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 ) [F25, or

(c)a sixth form college]

and references to institutions within that sector shall be construed accordingly.

[F26(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.]

Textual Amendments

F16S. 4(1) substituted (1.9.1997) by 1997 c. 44, s. 51; S.I. 1997/1468, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. II

F17Words in s. 4(1) inserted (1.9.2008) by Childcare Act 2006 (c. 21), ss. 95(2), 109(2); S.I. 2008/2261, art. 2 (with Sch. 1)

F20Words in s. 4(1) repealed (1.10.2002 for E., 31.3.2004 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 22 Pt. 3 (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3; S.I. 2004/912, art. 4, Sch. Pt. 1

F21S. 4(1A) inserted (1.9.2008) by Childcare Act 2006 (c. 21), ss. 95(3), 109(2); S.I. 2008/2261, art. 2 (with Sch. 1)

F23Words in s. 4(2) substituted (1.9.1998) by 1997 c. 44, s. 57(1), Sch. 7 para. 10(a); S.I. 1998/386, art.2, Sch. 1 Pt. IV

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3S. 4(1) restricted (1.9.2000 (E.) and 1.4.2001 (W.)) by 2000 c. 21, s. 110(3) (with s. 150); S.I. 2000/2114, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. III; S.I. 2001/1274, art. 2(1), Sch. Pt. I

Marginal Citations

5 Primary schools, secondary schools and middle schools.E+W

(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 [F27part-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.

[F28(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,

[F29(i)] section 28 of, or paragraph 5 of Schedule 7 to, the School Standards and Framework Act 1998[F30, 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)[F31The 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.

Textual Amendments

F27Words in s. 5(1) repealed (1.10.2002 for E., 31.3.2004 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 22 Pt. 3 (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3; S.I. 2004/912, art. 4, Sch. Pt. 1

F31Words in s. 5(5) substituted (1.9.2006) by Education Act 2005 (c. 18), s. 125(4), Sch. 12 para. 1(3); S.I. 2006/2129, art. 4

6 Nursery schools F32... .E+W

(1)A primary school is a nursery school if it is used [F33wholly or] mainly for the purpose of providing education for children who have attained the age of two but are under [F34compulsory school age].

F35(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F32Words in s. 6 title omitted (1.9.2014) by virtue of Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 3 para. 2(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)

F33Words in s. 6(1) inserted (1.10.2002 for E., 31.3.2004 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), ss. 156(1), 216(4) (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2002/2439, art. 3; S.I. 2004/912, art. 4, Sch. Pt. 1

F34Words in s. 6(1) substituted (1.8.1998) by 1997 c. 44, s. 51(1), Sch. 7 para. 11; S.I. 1998/386, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. III

F35S. 6(2) omitted (1.9.2014) by virtue of Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 3 para. 2(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)

Compulsory educationE+W

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

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 [F36(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.

8 Compulsory school age.E+W

(1)Subsections (2) and (3) apply to determine for the purposes of any enactment whether a person is of compulsory school age.

[F37(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.

[F38(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.]

Textual Amendments

F37S. 8(2) substituted (1.8.1998) by 1997 c. 44, s. 52(2); S.I. 1998/386, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt.III

F38S. 8(4) substituted (1.8.1998) by 1997 c. 44, s. 52(3); S.I. 1998/386, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. III

Education in accordance with parental wishesE+W

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

In exercising or performing all their respective powers and duties under the Education Acts, the Secretary of [F39State and [F1local 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.

Chapter IIE+W Functions of the Secretary of State

10 General duty of Secretary of State.E+W

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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4S. 10 amended (1.11.1996) by 1994 c. 30, s. 11A, as inserted by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(1)(3), 583(2), Sch. 37 Pt. I para.126 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)

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

(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, F40...

(ii)in institutions within the further education sector, [F41or

(iii)in 16 to 19 Academies,]

in or in any area of England or Wales, or

(b)conduct schools[F42, 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[F43, 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.

Textual Amendments

F40Word in s. 11(1)(a) omitted (1.4.2012) by virtue of Education Act 2011 (c. 21), s. 82(3), Sch. 13 para. 9(3)(a); S.I. 2012/924, art. 2

F41S. 11(1)(a)(iii) and word inserted (1.4.2012) by Education Act 2011 (c. 21), s. 82(3), Sch. 13 para. 9(3)(a); S.I. 2012/924, art. 2

F42Words in s. 11(1)(b) substituted (1.4.2012) by Education Act 2011 (c. 21), s. 82(3), Sch. 13 para. 9(3)(b); S.I. 2012/924, art. 2

F43Words in s. 11(2) substituted (1.4.2012) by Education Act 2011 (c. 21), s. 82(3), Sch. 13 para. 9(3)(c); S.I. 2012/924, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5S. 11 amended (1.11.1996) by 1994 c. 30, s. 11A, as inserted by 1996 c. 56, ss. 582(1)(3), 583(2), Sch. 37 Pt. I para.126 (with ss. 1(4), 561, 562, Sch. 39)

Chapter IIIE+W [F1local authorities]

The authoritiesE+W

F4412 [F1Local authorities] and their areas.E+W

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

General functionsE+W

13 General responsibility for education.E+W

(1)A [F6local 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, [F45and secondary education] [F46and, in the case of a [F6local 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—

[F47(a)the [F48the Secretary of State under Part 4 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009] F49...]

[F50(aa)the National Assembly for Wales under Part 2 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000, or]

[F51(b)the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, or

(c)the Office for Students.]

[F52(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 [F53and for whom an EHC plan is maintained].

F54(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F55(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

F45Words 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

F47S. 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)

F48Words in s. 13(2)(a) substituted (26.5.2015) by Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), s. 115(3)(g), Sch. 14 para. 43

F53Words 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)

F54S. 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)

F55S. 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)

[F5613ADuty to promote high standards and fulfilment of potentialE+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 [F57and 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.]

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

(1)A [F6local 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.

[F58(3A)A [F6local 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 [F6local authority] is not by virtue of subsection (1)(a) under any duty in respect of children under [F59compulsory school age].

[F60(4A)A [F6local 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 [F6local authority], is a school maintained by that authority which provides education to meet both—

(a)the needs of pupils with particular [F61special educational needs] [F61additional 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.]

F62(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6)In exercising their functions under this section, a [F6local 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 [F63(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

F62S. 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)

[F6414ADuty of [F6local authority] to consider parental representationsE+W

(1)Where a [F6local 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 [F6local 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 [F6local 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 [F6local authority] must have regard to any guidance given from time to time by the Secretary of State.]

F6515 Functions in respect of provision of further education.E+W

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

Textual Amendments

F65S. 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

[F6615ZADuty in respect of education and training for persons over compulsory school age: EnglandE+W

(1)A [F6local 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 [F67and for whom an EHC plan is maintained].

(2)A [F6local 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 [F6local authority] must (in particular) have regard to—

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

(b)any learning difficulties [F68or 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 [F6local 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 [F6local 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 [F69the Secretary of State].

(6)For the purposes of this section a person has a learning difficulty [F70or 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 [F71or 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)

    [F72an 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, F73...

    (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)

    [F74an 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.

[F75(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

F67Words 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)

F68Words 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)

F69Words in s. 15ZA(5) substituted (26.5.2015) by Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), s. 115(3)(g), Sch. 14 para. 44

F70Words 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)

F71Words 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)

F75S. 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)

C14S. 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

C18S. 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

C19Ss. 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

C20S. 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

15ZBCo-operation in performance of section 15ZA dutyE+W

[F1Local authorities] in England must co-operate with each other in performing their duties under section 15ZA(1).]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19Ss. 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

C24S. 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

C28S. 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

C29S. 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

[F7615ZCEncouragement of education and training for persons over compulsory school age: EnglandE+W

(1)A [F6local 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), F77...

[F78(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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19Ss. 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

C33S. 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

C37S. 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

C38S. 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

[F7915ZDSections 15ZA to 15ZC: duty to have regard to guidanceE+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.]

[F8115A [F80Powers in respect of education and training] for 16 to 18 year olds.E+W

(1)A [F6local authority] [F82in Wales] may secure the provision for their area of full-time [F83or 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.

[F84(1ZA)A [F6local 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.]

[F85(1A)The power under [F86subsections (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.]

[F87(3)In exercising their functions under this section in respect of further education[F88

(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 [F89learning difficulties (within the meaning of section 41(5) and (6) of the Learning and Skills Act 2000)] [F89additional learning needs].]

[F90(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 [F6local 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

F81S. 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)

F83Words 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

F85S. 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

F87S. 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

F88S. 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)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C42S. 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)

C45Words 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

[F9115B Functions in respect of education for persons over 19.E+W

(1)A [F6local 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[F92

(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 [F93learning difficulties (within the meaning of section 41(5) and (6) of the Learning and Skills Act 2000)] [F93additional learning needs].]

[F94(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 [F6local 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

F91S. 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

F92S. 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)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Establishment etc. of schoolsE+W

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

(1)For the purpose of fulfilling their functions under this Act, a [F6local 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 [F6local authority] may under subsection (1) establish, maintain and assist schools outside as well as inside their area.

(3)A [F6local 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.

[F95(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.]

17 Powers in respect of [F96nursery schools] .E+W

(1)A [F6local authority] may—

(a)establish nursery schools;

(b)maintain nursery schools established by them or by an authority which was a [F6local authority] within the meaning of any enactment repealed by the M3Education Act 1944 or an earlier Act; and

(c)assist any nursery school not so established.

(2)Section 14(4) does not affect a [F6local authority]’s power under section 16(1) to establish, maintain and assist schools at which education is provided both for children under [F97compulsory school age] and for older pupils (including schools at which there are nursery classes for children under [F97compulsory school age]).

Textual Amendments

F96Words in s. 17 heading substituted (1.9.2008 for E.) by Childcare Act 2006 (c. 21), s. 109(2), Sch. 2 para. 20; S.I. 2008/2261, art. 2 (with Sch. 1)

F97Words in s. 17(2) substituted (1.8.1998) by 1997 c. 44, s. 57(1), Sch. 7 para.13; S.I. 1998/386, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt.III

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C48S. 17 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

C49S. 17 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

Marginal Citations

Other arrangements for provision of educationE+W

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

A [F6local authority] may make arrangements for the provision of primary and secondary education for pupils at schools not maintained by them or another [F6local authority].

[F9818AProvision of education for persons subject to youth detentionE+W

(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 [F99in England] must (in particular) have regard to—

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

(b)[F100in the case of a local authority in England,] any special educational needs F101... the persons may have;

[F102(ba)[F103in the case of a local authority in England,] any learning difficulties or disabilities (within the meaning of section 15ZA(6) and (7)) the persons may have;

(bb)[F104in the case of a local authority in Wales, [F105any learning difficulties (within the meaning of section 41(5) and (6) of the Learning and Skills Act 2000)] [F105any 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)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)[F106in relation to a local authority in England,] the National Curriculum for England established under section 87 of the Education Act 2002 as subsisting for the time being;

(b)[F107in relation to a local authority in Wales—

(i)the National Curriculum for Wales established under section 108 of that Act as subsisting for the time being, or

(ii)any local curriculum formed by the authority under section 116A of the Education Act 2002 (formation of local curricula for pupils in Key Stage 4) or for their area under section 33A of the Learning and Skills Act 2000 (formation of local curricula for students aged 16 to 18).]

(4)Section 17C (the core entitlement) applies for the purposes of subsection (2)(e).

[F108(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.]

Textual Amendments

F98S. 18A inserted (1.9.2010 for E. for specified purposes) by Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22), ss. 48, 269(3)(4) (as amended (15.1.2012) by 2011 c. 21, s. 30(7)); S.I. 2010/303, art. 6, Sch. 5

F99Words in s. 18A(2) inserted (1.9.2022 for specified purposes, 1.9.2023 for specified purposes, 1.9.2024 for specified purposes) by The Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 (Consequential Amendments) (Primary Legislation) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/744), reg. 1(3), Sch. 2 para. 2(2)(a)(i)

F101Words in s. 18A(2)(b) omitted (1.9.2014) by virtue of Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 3 para. 8(a); 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)

F102S. 18A(2)(ba)(bb) inserted (1.9.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), s. 139(6), Sch. 3 para. 8(b); 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)

F103Words in s. 18A(2)(ba) omitted (1.9.2022 for specified purposes, 1.9.2023 for specified purposes, 1.9.2024 for specified purposes) by virtue of The Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 (Consequential Amendments) (Primary Legislation) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/744), reg. 1(3), Sch. 2 para. 2(2)(a)(ii)

F104S. 18A(2)(bb) omitted (1.9.2022 for specified purposes, 1.9.2023 for specified purposes, 1.9.2024 for specified purposes) by virtue of The Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 (Consequential Amendments) (Primary Legislation) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/744), reg. 1(3), Sch. 2 para. 2(2)(a)(iii)

F106Words in s. 18A(3)(a) omitted (1.9.2022 for specified purposes, 1.9.2023 for specified purposes, 1.9.2024 for specified purposes) by virtue of The Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 (Consequential Amendments) (Primary Legislation) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/744), reg. 1(3), Sch. 2 para. 2(2)(b)(i)

F107S. 18A(3)(b) omitted (1.9.2022 for specified purposes, 1.9.2023 for specified purposes, 1.9.2024 for specified purposes) by virtue of The Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 (Consequential Amendments) (Primary Legislation) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/744), reg. 1(3), Sch. 2 para. 2(2)(b)(ii)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C51S. 18A(1)(b) 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

C55S. 18A(1)(b) 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

C56S. 18A(1)(b) 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

C57S. 18A(1)(b) 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

19 Exceptional provision of education in pupil referral units or elsewhere [F109: England] E+W

(1)Each [F6local authority] [F110in England] shall make arrangements for the provision of suitable F111. . . 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.

[F112(1A)F113... 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.]

F114(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F114[F115(2A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2B) Any school established in England (whether before or after the commencement of this Act) and maintained by a [F6local authority] [F116in 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 [F6local authority] [F117in England] may secure the provision of boarding accommodation at any pupil referral unit.

[F118[F119(3A)F120... 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)[F121Regulations 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 [F122the regulations] .]

(4)A [F6local authority] [F123in England] may make arrangements for the provision of suitable F111. . . 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.

[F124(4A)In determining what arrangements to make under subsection (1) or (4) in the case of any child or young person a [F6local 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.

[F125(6)In this section—

  • relevant school” means—

    (a)

    a maintained school,

    (b)

    an Academy,

    (c)

    a city technology college, or

    (d)

    a city college for the technology of the arts;

  • suitable education”, in relation to a child or young person [F126in 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 [F127and 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 [F128maintained by a local authority in England].

Textual Amendments

F109Word in s. 19 heading inserted (30.4.2021) by Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 4), s. 84(1), Sch. 2 para. 3(2) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2022/111, regs. 1, 3)

F110Words in s. 19(1) inserted (30.4.2021) by Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 4), s. 84(1), Sch. 2 para. 3(3) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2022/111, regs. 1, 3)

F111Words in s. 19(1) and (4) repealed (1.9.1998) by 1997 c. 44, ss. 47(2)(3), 57(4), Sch.8; S.I. 1998/386, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. IV

F113Words in s. 19(1A) omitted (30.4.2021) by Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 4), s. 84(1), Sch. 2 para. 3(4) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2022/111, regs. 1, 3)

F114S. 19(2)(2A) omitted (30.4.2021) by Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 4), s. 84(1), Sch. 2 para. 3(5) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2022/111, regs. 1, 3)

F116Words in s. 19(2B) inserted (30.4.2021) by Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 4), s. 84(1), Sch. 2 para. 3(6) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2022/111, regs. 1, 3)

F117Words in s. 19(3) inserted (30.4.2021) by Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 4), s. 84(1), Sch. 2 para. 3(7) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2022/111, regs. 1, 3)

F118S. 19(3A)(3AA) substituted for s. 19(3A) (1.9.2011) by Children, Schools and Families Act 2010 (c. 26), ss. 3(3), 29(5) (with s. 27); S.I. 2011/1100, art. 2

F120Words in s. 19(3A) omitted (30.4.2021) by virtue of Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 4), s. 84(1), Sch. 2 para. 3(8) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2022/111, regs. 1, 3)

F123Words in s. 19(4) inserted (30.4.2021) by Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 4), s. 84(1), Sch. 2 para. 3(9) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2022/111, regs. 1, 3)

F124S. 19(4A) inserted (1.9.1998) by 1997 c. 44, s. 47(4); S.I. 1998/386, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt.IV

F128Words in s. 19(7) inserted (30.4.2021) by Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 4), s. 84(1), Sch. 2 para. 3(10) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2022/111, regs. 1, 3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C62S. 19: power to modify conferred (temp.) (25.3.2020) by Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 87(1), Sch. 17 para. 5 (with ss. 88-90)

[F12919A Exceptional provision of education in pupil referral units or elsewhere: WalesE+W

(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 [F130the 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.]

Textual Amendments

F129S. 19A inserted (30.4.2021) by Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 4), s. 84(1), Sch. 2 para. 4 (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2022/111, regs. 1, 3)

F130Words in s. 19A(5) inserted (1.9.2022 for specified purposes, 1.9.2023 for specified purposes, 1.9.2024 for specified purposes) by The Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 (Consequential Amendments) (Primary Legislation) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/744), reg. 1(3), Sch. 2 para. 2(3)

Chapter IVE+W The Funding Authorities

The AuthoritiesE+W

F13120. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W

Textual Amendments

F131S. 20 repealed (1.11.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para. 66, Sch.31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (with savings in Sch. 7 paras. 2-4, 6, 7, 10, 12)

F13221. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W

Textual Amendments

FunctionsE+W

F13322. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W

Textual Amendments

F133S. 22 repealed (1.4.1999 in relation to s. 22 except s. 22(1)(a) and otherwise 1.11.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para. 66, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/1016, art. 2(1), Sch. 1; S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (with savings in Sch. 7 paras. 2-4, 6, 7, 10, 12)

F13423. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W

Textual Amendments

F134S. 23 repealed (1.11.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para. 66, Sch.31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (with savings in Sch. 7 paras. 2-4, 6, 7, 10, 12)

F13524. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W

Textual Amendments

F135S. 24 repealed (1.11.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para. 66, Sch.31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (with savings in Sch. 7 paras. 2-4, 6, 7, 10, 12)

SupplementalE+W

F13625. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W

Textual Amendments

F136S. 25 repealed (1.11.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para. 66, Sch.31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (with savings in Sch. 7 paras. 2-4, 6, 7, 10, 12)

F13726. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W

Textual Amendments

F137S. 26 repealed (1.11.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para. 66, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (with savings in Sch. 7 paras. 2-4, 6, 7, 10, 12)

Chapter VE+W Allocation of responsibility for education at school between LEA and funding authority

F13827. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W

Textual Amendments

Chapter VIE+W Supplemental

Allocation of functionsE+W

F13928. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W

Textual Amendments

F139S. 28 repealed (1.11.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para. 66, Sch.31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (with savings in Sch. 7 paras. 2-4, 6, 7, 10, 12)

Provision of informationE+W

29 Provision of information by [F1local authorities] .E+W

(1)A [F6local authority] shall—

(a)make such reports and returns to the Secretary of State, and

(b)give to the Secretary of State such information,

as he may require for the purpose of the exercise of his functions under this Act.

F140(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3)A [F6local authority] shall—

(a)compile such information, and

(b)make such provision for conducting, or assisting the conduct of, research,

as may be required for the purpose of providing the Secretary of State F141. . . , in such form and at such times as may be prescribed, with such information relating to the provision of primary or secondary education in the area of the [F6local authority] as may be prescribed.

(4)The Secretary of State shall exercise his powers under subsection (3) so as to secure, in particular, the provision of information relating to the provision of education for children with special educational needs.

[F142(4A)In subsection (4) as it applies in relation to the Welsh Ministers, the reference to special educational needs is to be interpreted as a reference to additional learning needs.]

(5)A [F6local authority] shall, at such time or times and in such manner as may be required by regulations, publish such information as may be so required with respect to their policy and arrangements in respect of any matter relating to primary or secondary education.

F143(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F144(6A)The Welsh Ministers may, by regulations, require local authorities in Wales to publish prescribed information, at such times and in such manner as may be prescribed, for the purpose of providing information to the public about whether, and if so how, local authority education functions are being exercised to promote the purpose of the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015 (see section 1 of that Act).]

Textual Amendments

F140S. 29(2) repealed (1.11.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para. 67(a), Sch.31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (with savings in Sch. 7 paras. 2-4, 6, 7, 10, 12)

F141Words in s. 29(3) repealed (1.11.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para. 67(b), Sch.31; S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (with savings in Sch. 7 paras. 2-4, 6, 7, 10, 12)

F14530. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E+W

Textual Amendments

F145S. 30 repealed (1.11.1999) by 1998 c. 31, ss. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para. 68, Sch.31; S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (with savings in Sch. 7 paras. 2-4, 6, 7, 10, 12)

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