School Attendance Requirements in England: How Many Days Do Children Attend?

Compulsory Education Ages

In England, children must receive full-time education from the start of the term following their 5th birthday until the last Friday in June of the school year they turn 16. Those continuing in education or training must stay until age 18.

Typical School Year Length

The statutory school year comprises 190 days (38 weeks) of instruction. Schools set their own term dates within this framework, usually divided into three terms with half-term breaks.

Attendance Enforcement

Local authorities can issue Parenting Orders, Education Supervision Orders, or fines (up to £2,500) for persistent unauthorized absence. Prosecution is a last resort.

Absence Categories

• Authorised: Illness, medical appointments, religious observance, exceptional circumstances approved by the headteacher.
• Unauthorised: Holidays in term time (unless exceptional), truancy, no reason given.

Home Education

Parents may elect home education, but the local authority monitors suitability. No specific day count applies; the education must be "efficient" and "suitable to age, ability, and aptitude."