OpenLegislation

Education and Skills Act 2008 in Northern Ireland

2008 c. 25 · Enacted 26 November 2008 · Extends to United Kingdom

Not fully up to date. 56 changes made by later legislation have not yet been written into this text, which is revised to 1 September 2026.

See the changes not yet applied
ProvisionChangeMade by
Sch. 1 para. 75omittedAdditional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 Sch. 1 para. 15(5)
Sch. 1 para. 77omittedAdditional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 Sch. 1 para. 15(5)
Sch. 1 para. 7omittedAdditional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 Sch. 1 para. 6(l)(ii)
Sch. 1 para. 10omittedAdditional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 Sch. 1 para. 6(l)(ii)
s. 143(3)omittedAdditional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 Sch. 1 para. 15(2)
s. 66(1)words substitutedTertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022 Sch. 4 para. 22(2)(b)
s. 66(1)words omittedTertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022 Sch. 4 para. 22(2)(a)
s. 158repealedChildren and Families (Wales) Measure 2010 Sch. 2
s. 56(3)words insertedCrime and Courts Act 2013 s. 26(8)
s. 98(3A)(3B)insertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 46(2)(b)
s. 99(5)word substitutedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 43(6)
s. 99(6)insertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 46(3)
s. 101(2)-(2D)substituted for s. 101(2)(3)Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 46(5)
s. 102(3)insertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 46(6)
s. 103substitutedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 46(7)
s. 104(1)-(1B)substituted for s. 104(1)Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 46(8)(a)
s. 104(2)words substitutedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 46(8)(b)(i)
s. 104(2)(a)words insertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 46(8)(b)(ii)
s. 104(2)(b)words substitutedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 46(8)(b)(iii)
s. 104(3)words substitutedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 46(8)(c)
s. 104(4)words substitutedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 46(8)(d)
s. 105 headingwords substitutedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 48(2)(a)
s. 105(1)words substitutedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 48(2)(b)(i)
s. 105(1)(a)words substitutedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 48(2)(b)(ii)
s. 105(1)(c)(ii)words substitutedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 46(9)
s. 105(1A)insertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 48(2)(c)
s. 105(2)words omittedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 48(2)(d)
s. 105(3)(a)words insertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 48(2)(e)
s. 117(2)(a)words insertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 48(3)
s. 118(1)words insertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 48(4)(a)
s. 118(2)words omittedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 48(4)(b)
s. 118A-118FinsertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 44(4)
s. 124(4A)insertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 44(5)
s. 125(1)(b)words substitutedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 46(10)
s. 125(1)(c)word omittedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 44(6)(a)(i)
s. 125(1)(c)words insertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 48(5)
s. 125(1)(e)-(h)insertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 44(6)(a)(ii)
s. 125(8)-(10)insertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 44(6)(b)
s. 126AinsertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 44(7)
s. 127A-127F and cross-headinginsertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 49(3)
s. 132(2)(a)(ii)word substitutedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 43(7)(a)
s. 132(4)(b)(i)words substitutedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 43(7)(b)
s. 138(1)words substitutedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 43(8)(a)
s. 138(1A)insertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 43(8)(b)
s. 138(3)insertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 46(11)
s. 138(4)insertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 49(4)
s. 166(6)(a)word insertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 46(12)
Sch. A1insertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 45(2)
s. 101 cross-headingwords omittedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 46(4)
s. 93omittedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 43(3)
s. 93AomittedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 43(4)
s. 96(5)insertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 45(1)
s. 97omittedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 49(2)
s. 98(3)(a)omittedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 43(5)
s. 98(3)(e)words insertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 46(2)(a)(i)
s. 98(3)(ea)insertedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 s. 46(2)(a)(ii)

An Act to make provision about education and training; and for connected purposes.

[26th November 2008]

Be it enacted by the Queen's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

Contents

  1. Duty to participate in education or training
  2. 1Persons to whom Part 1 applies
  3. Interpretation
  4. 5Full-time occupation
  5. 7Relevant period
  6. Duty to promote fulfilment of duty imposed by section 2
  7. Duty to promote good attendance
  8. Duty to identify persons not fulfilling duty imposed by section 2
  9. Guidance
  10. Interpretation Not yet in force
  11. 19Contracts to which Chapter applies Not yet in force
  12. 20Appropriate arrangements Not yet in force
  13. Commencement of employment Not yet in force
  14. 21Appropriate arrangements to be in place before employment begins Not yet in force
  15. 23Withdrawal or variation of penalty notice given under section 22 following notice of objection Not yet in force
  16. 24Appeal against penalty notice given under section 22 Not yet in force
  17. 25Further power to withdraw penalty notice given under section 22 Not yet in force
  18. 26Withdrawal or variation of penalty notice given under section 22: further provisions Not yet in force
  19. Employer to enable participation in education or training Not yet in force
  20. 27Duty to enable participation: initial arrangements Not yet in force
  21. 28Duty to enable participation: arrangements subsequently notified Not yet in force
  22. 29Sections 27 and 28: extension for person reaching 18 Not yet in force
  23. 30Contravention of section 27 or 28: enforcement notice Not yet in force
  24. 31Financial penalty for non-compliance with enforcement notice given under section 30 Not yet in force
  25. 32Withdrawal of enforcement notice given under section 30 Not yet in force
  26. 33Withdrawal or variation of penalty notice given under section 31 following notice of objection Not yet in force
  27. 34Appeal against penalty notice given under section 31 Not yet in force
  28. 35Further power to withdraw penalty notice given under section 31 Not yet in force
  29. 36Withdrawal or variation of penalty notice given under section 31: further provisions Not yet in force
  30. Supplementary
  31. 37Right not to suffer detriment Not yet in force
  32. 38Dismissal to be treated as unfair Not yet in force
  33. Chapter 4: Parenting contracts and parenting orders Not yet in force
  34. 40Parenting contracts Not yet in force
  35. 41Parenting orders Not yet in force
  36. 42Parenting orders: supplemental Not yet in force
  37. 43Parenting orders: appeals Not yet in force
  38. Chapter 5: Attendance notices Not yet in force
  39. Initial steps Not yet in force
  40. 45Failure to fulfil duty under section 2: initial steps Not yet in force
  41. Attendance notices Not yet in force
  42. 46Attendance notice Not yet in force
  43. Attendance panel, appeals and variations etc Not yet in force
  44. 49Appeal arrangements Not yet in force
  45. 50Variation and revocation of attendance notice Not yet in force
  46. Failure to comply with attendance notice Not yet in force
  47. 51Offence of failure to comply with attendance notice Not yet in force
  48. 52Restrictions on proceedings for offences under section 51 Not yet in force
  49. 53Failure to comply with attendance notice: penalty notice Not yet in force
  50. 54Penalty notices: appeal arrangements Not yet in force
  51. Supplementary Not yet in force
  52. 60Review of initial operation of Chapter Not yet in force
  53. 61Alternative ways of working Not yet in force
  54. 63House of Lords staff Not yet in force
  55. 67Corresponding provision for Wales Not yet in force
  56. 74Internet and telephone support services etc
  57. 75Inspection
  58. 79Existing functions of Secretary of State
  59. Assessments relating to learning difficulties
  60. Careers education
  61. Apprenticeships
  62. School transport etc
  63. 83Provision of transport etc for persons of sixth form age: duty to consider journey times
  64. 84Exercise of travel functions by local authorities in England: duty to have regard to religion or belief of persons of sixth form age
  65. Co-operation as regards 14-19 education and training
  66. ...
  67. 88Revenue and Customs information
  68. 89Use of information
  69. 90Wrongful onward disclosure of information
  70. Introductory
  71. 92Independent educational institutions Independent educational institutions in England
  72. 93Application of Chapter to institutions in England only
  73. 93AApplication of Chapter to alternative provision Academies that are not independent educational institutions
  74. Standards
  75. Requirement of registration
  76. 95The register
  77. 96Unregistered independent educational institutions: offence
  78. 97Unregistered independent educational institutions: inspection
  79. Registration procedure
  80. 98Applications for registration
  81. 99Determination of applications for registration
  82. 99AInspections on appeal against decision not to register
  83. 100Institutions no longer required to register: power to deregister
  84. Approval of material changes to registered details Not yet in force
  85. 101“Material change” Not yet in force
  86. 102Requirement to apply for approval for material change Not yet in force
  87. 103Inspection and report where applications made for approval Not yet in force
  88. 104Determination of applications for approval Not yet in force
  89. 105Power to deregister institution that makes unapproved material change Not yet in force
  90. Independent inspectorates
  91. 106Independent inspectorates
  92. 107Quality assurance of independent inspectorates
  93. 107AInformation sharing between the Chief Inspector and independent inspectorates
  94. Inspections and reports
  95. 108Duty to inspect certain registered institutions at prescribed intervals
  96. 109Duty to inspect registered institution on direction of Secretary of State
  97. 110Inspections under this Chapter: power of entry etc
  98. 112Failure to pay fees
  99. 113Publication of inspection reports
  100. Failure to meet standards
  101. 114Action plans
  102. 115Power of Secretary of State to take enforcement action
  103. 116Enforcement action available to Secretary of State
  104. 117“Relevant restriction”
  105. 118Relevant restriction imposed by Secretary of State: supplementary
  106. Unsuitable persons
  107. 119Unsuitable persons
  108. Emergencies
  109. 120Application to justice of the peace for order
  110. 121Relevant restriction imposed by justice of the peace: supplementary
  111. Provision of information by proprietors
  112. 123Provision of information by proprietors
  113. Appeals
  114. 126Appeal by proprietor against order of justice of the peace
  115. 127Relevant restriction imposed by Tribunal: supplementary
  116. Prohibition on participation in management of independent educational institutions
  117. 128Prohibition on participation in management
  118. 129Directions under section 128: appeals
  119. 131Directions under section 128: notification
  120. Independent colleges for 16 to 18 year olds
  121. 133Regulations under section 132: supplementary
  122. Supplementary
  123. 134Proceedings for offences
  124. 135Offences by bodies corporate
  125. 136Offences by unincorporated bodies
  126. 137Service of notice etc
  127. 137AApplication of schools provision to independent educational institutions
  128. 138Interpretation of Chapter
  129. Transitional provision
  130. 139Continuity of the law
  131. 140The register and fees
  132. Chapter 2: Schools providing for special educational needs
  133. Non-maintained special schools in England
  134. 142Interpretation
  135. 143Right of sixth-form pupils to opt out of religious worship
  136. 144Protection of pupils in an emergency
  137. 145Appeals
  138. Independent schools in England
  139. 146Abolition of requirement of approval for independent schools: England Repealed
  140. 148Approval of independent schools: transitional provision Repealed
  141. Part 5: Miscellaneous and general
  142. School admissions
  143. 152Sixth form admissions etc: appeals
  144. 153School admissions: supplementary
  145. Maintained schools in England: behaviour and attendance etc
  146. 154Power of governing body: educational provision for improving behaviour
  147. 155Application of s.444 of Education Act 1996 to alternative education provision
  148. Maintained schools in England: assessment arrangements
  149. 156National Curriculum for England: duty to implement assessment arrangements
  150. Maintained schools: pupils' views Not yet in force
  151. 157Governing bodies of maintained schools to invite and consider pupils' views Not yet in force
  152. 158Consultation of pupils: existing functions Not yet in force
  153. Inspections of teacher training
  154. 164Inspections of teacher training in England: removal of duty to notify
  155. Schools forums
  156. 165Constitution of schools forums
  157. Chapter 3: General
  158. 166Orders and regulations
  159. 170Power to make consequential and transitional provision etc.
  160. 172Extent
  161. 173Commencement
  162. 174Short title
  163. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  164. 1Paragraph 1 Repealed
  165. 2Paragraph 2 Repealed
  166. 3Paragraph 3 Repealed
  167. 4Paragraph 4 Repealed
  168. Education Act 1996 (c. 56) Not yet in force
  169. 5Paragraph 5 Not yet in force
  170. 6Paragraph 6 Not yet in force
  171. 7Paragraph 7 Not yet in force
  172. 8Paragraph 8 Not yet in force
  173. 9Paragraph 9 Not yet in force
  174. 10Paragraph 10 Not yet in force
  175. 11Paragraph 11 Not yet in force
  176. Police Act 1997 (c. 50)
  177. 12Paragraph 12
  178. Education Act 2002 (c. 32)
  179. 13Paragraph 13
  180. 14Paragraph 14 Not yet in force
  181. 15Paragraph 15
  182. 16Paragraph 16
  183. 17Paragraph 17
  184. 18Paragraph 18
  185. 19Paragraph 19
  186. 20Paragraph 20
  187. 21Paragraph 21
  188. 22Paragraph 22
  189. 24Paragraph 24
  190. Education Act 2005 (c. 18)
  191. 25Paragraph 25
  192. 26Paragraph 26 Not yet in force
  193. 27Paragraph 27 Not yet in force
  194. 28Paragraph 28
  195. 29Paragraph 29
  196. Childcare Act 2006 (c. 21)
  197. 30Paragraph 30
  198. 31Paragraph 31
  199. 32Paragraph 32
  200. 33Paragraph 33
  201. 34Paragraph 34
  202. 35Paragraph 35
  203. 36Paragraph 36
  204. Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40)
  205. 37Paragraph 37
  206. 38Paragraph 38
  207. 39Paragraph 39 Not yet in force
  208. 40Paragraph 40
  209. Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (c. 47)
  210. Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70) Not yet in force
  211. 42Paragraph 42 Not yet in force
  212. Children Act 1989 (c. 41)
  213. 43Paragraph 43
  214. Social Security Administration Act 1992 (c. 5)
  215. 44Paragraph 44
  216. 45Paragraph 45
  217. 46Paragraph 46
  218. 47Paragraph 47
  219. Education Act 1996 (c. 56)
  220. 48Paragraph 48
  221. 49Paragraph 49 Not yet in force
  222. 50Paragraph 50
  223. 51Paragraph 51
  224. 52Paragraph 52
  225. School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (c. 31)
  226. 53Paragraph 53
  227. 54Paragraph 54
  228. 55Paragraph 55
  229. 56Paragraph 56
  230. 57Paragraph 57
  231. 58Paragraph 58
  232. 59Paragraph 59
  233. 60Paragraph 60
  234. 61Paragraph 61
  235. 62Paragraph 62
  236. 63Paragraph 63
  237. 64Paragraph 64
  238. 65Paragraph 65
  239. 66Paragraph 66
  240. 67Paragraph 67
  241. 68Paragraph 68
  242. 69Paragraph 69
  243. 70Paragraph 70
  244. 71Paragraph 71
  245. 72Paragraph 72
  246. 73Paragraph 73
  247. Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 (c. 30)
  248. 74Paragraph 74
  249. Learning and Skills Act 2000 (c. 21)
  250. 75Paragraph 75
  251. 77Paragraph 77
  252. Tax Credits Act 2002 (c. 21)
  253. 78Paragraph 78
  254. Education Act 2002 (c. 32) Not yet in force
  255. 79Paragraph 79
  256. Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 (c. 38)
  257. Sexual Offences Act 2003 (c. 42)
  258. 81Paragraph 81
  259. Children Act 2004 (c. 31)
  260. 82Paragraph 82
  261. 83Paragraph 83
  262. 84Paragraph 84
  263. 85Paragraph 85
  264. Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40)
  265. 86Paragraph 86
  266. 87Paragraph 87
  267. 88Paragraph 88
  268. 89Paragraph 89 Repealed
  269. Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4) Not yet in force
  270. 90Paragraph 90
  271. Schedule 2Repeals and revocations