Summary
The Education Act 1996 consolidates previous education legislation and establishes the fundamental duty on parents to ensure children of compulsory school age receive efficient full-time education. It covers school organisation, admissions, special educational needs, and the duties of local authorities to provide sufficient schools.
Key Points
- Parental duty to ensure education (s.7)
- Compulsory school age: 5 to 16 (s.8)
- LA duty to provide sufficient schools (s.14)
- Home education permitted if efficient education provided (s.7)
- School attendance orders for non-compliance (s.437)
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2014 — Children and Families Act 2014
Reformed SEN provisions, replacing statements with EHC plans.