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Education Act 1997

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Education Act 1997, Cross Heading: Education Act 1996 (c. 56) is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 20 April 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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Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. Changes and effects are recorded by our editorial team in lists which can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area. Where those effects have yet to be applied to the text of the legislation by the editorial team they are also listed alongside the legislation in the affected provisions. Use the ‘more’ link to open the changes and effects relevant to the provision you are viewing.

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Changes and effects yet to be applied to the whole Act associated Parts and Chapters:

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

  • s. 24(2)(ga) inserted by 2008 c. 25 s. 161(3)(b) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. S. 161(3)(4)(11)-(13) repealed (1.4.2010 for E., 1.11.2010 for W.) without ever being in force by 2009 c. 22, Sch. 16 Pt. 4; S.I. 2010/1151, art. 2, Sch. 1; S.I. 2010/2413, art. 2)
  • s. 24(2B)-(2D) inserted by 2008 c. 25 s. 9 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. S. 9 repealed (31.5.2013) without ever being in force by 2009 c. 22 Sch. 16 Pt. 4; S.I. 2013/975, art. 2(c))
  • s. 26A(1) (1A) substituted for s. 26A(1) by 2008 c. 25 s. 161(11) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. S. 161(3)(4)(11)-(13) repealed (1.4.2010 for E., 1.11.2010 for W.) without ever being in force by 2009 c. 22, Sch. 16 Pt. 4; S.I. 2010/1151, art. 2, Sch. 1; S.I. 2010/2413, art. 2)
  • s. 26A(4) (5) inserted by 2008 c. 25 s. 161(13) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. S. 161(3)(4)(11)-(13) repealed (1.4.2010 for E., 1.11.2010 for W.) without ever being in force by 2009 c. 22, Sch. 16 Pt. 4; S.I. 2010/1151, art. 2, Sch. 1; S.I. 2010/2413, art. 2)
  • s. 38(2B) inserted by 2022 asc 1 Sch. 4 para. 9(3)(b)
  • s. 39(1)(b)(c) substituted for s. 39(1)(b) by 2022 asc 1 Sch. 4 para. 9(4)(b)
  • s. 43(2ZA) (2ZB) inserted by 2009 c. 22 s. 250(2) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. S. 250 omitted (1.9.2012) by virtue of 2011 c. 21, s. 29(9)(d); S.I. 2012/1087, art. 3)

Education Act 1996 (c. 56)E+W

9(1)Section 3 of the Education Act 1996 (definition of pupil etc.) shall be amended as follows.E+W

(2)At the end of subsection (1) insert—

“and 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.”

(3)F1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 7 para. 9(3) repealed (1.10.2002 for E., 1.9.2003 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. 2003/1718, art. 5, Sch. Pt. II

10E+WIn section 4(2) of that Act (schools: general)—

(a)for “For” substitute “ Nothing 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 ”; and

(b)omit “(pupil referral units)”.

11E+WIn section 6(1) of that Act (nursery schools), for “the age of five” substitute “ compulsory school age ”.

12E+WIn section 14(4) of that Act (functions of [F2local authority] in respect of provision of primary and secondary schools), for “the age of five” substitute “ compulsory school age ”.

Textual Amendments

13E+WIn section 17(2) of that Act (powers of [F2local authority] in respect of nursery education), for “the age of five”, in both places, substitute “ compulsory school age ”.

Textual Amendments

F314E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F3Sch. 7 para. 14 repealed (1.9.2003 for E.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 22 Pt. 3 (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2003/1667, art. 4

F415E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F4Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para.223, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch.1

F516E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F5Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para.223, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch.1

F617E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F6Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para.223, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch.1

F718E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F7Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para.223, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch.1

F819E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F8Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para.223, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch.1

F920E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F9Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para.223, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch.1

F1021E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para.223, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch.1

F1122E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F11Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para.223, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch.1

23E+WIn section 312(2)(c) of that Act (meaning of “learning difficulty” for the purposes of the Act)—

(a)for “the age of five” substitute “ compulsory school age ”, and

(b)omit “or over”.

24E+WIn section 332(1) of that Act (duty of Health Authority or National Health Service Trust to notify parent where child has special educational needs), for “the age of five” substitute “ compulsory school age ”.

F1225E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F12Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para.223, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch.1

26E+WOmit sections 358 to 361 of that Act (provisions about Curriculum Authorities).

Commencement Information

I1Sch. 7 para. 26 wholly in force at 11.3.1998; Sch.7 para. 26 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 58(3); Sch. 7 para. 26 in force at 1.10.1997 insofar as it omits ss. 360, 361 by S.I. 1997/1468, art.2, Sch. 1 Pt. III and in force at 1.3.1998 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 1998/386, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I

27E+W

[F13In section 362(7) of that Act (development work and experiments)—

(a)for “the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority” substitute “ the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority ”; and

(b)for “the Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales” substitute “ the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales ”.]

Textual Amendments

F13Sch. 7 paras. 27, 28 repealed (1.10.2002 for E. for specified purposes, 20.1.2003 for E in so far as not already in force) 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. 2002/2952, art. 2

Commencement Information

I2Sch. 7 paras. 27, 28 wholly in force at 1.10.1997 see s. 58(3) and S.I. 1997/1468, arts. 2, 4, Sch. 1 Pt. III, Sch. 2 Pt. II (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)

28E+W

[F14In section 368(10) of that Act (procedure for making certain orders and regulations)—

(a)for “the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority” substitute “ the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority ”; and

(b)for “the Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales” substitute “ the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales ”.]

Textual Amendments

F14Sch. 7 paras. 27, 28 repealed (1.10.2002 for E. for specified purposes, 20.1.2003 for E in so far as not already in force) 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. 2002/2952, art. 2

Commencement Information

I3Sch. 7 paras. 27, 28 wholly in force at 1.10.1997 see s. 58(3) and S.I. 1997/1468, arts. 2, 4, Sch. 1 Pt. III, Sch. 2 Pt. II (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)

29E+WIn section 391(10) of that Act (functions of advisory councils)—

F15(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b)for “the Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales” substitute “ the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales ”.

Textual Amendments

30E+WIn section 408 of that Act (provision of information)—

(a)in subsection (1)(a), after “this Part” insert “ or Part V of the Education Act 1997 ”; and

(b)in subsection (4)(f), omit “, 400, 401”.

Commencement Information

I4Sch. 7 para. 30 wholly in force; Sch. 7 para. 30 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 58(3); Sch. 7 para. 30(a) in force at 1.10.1997 by S.I. 1997/1468, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. III; Sch. 7 para. 30(b) in force at 1.9.2001 by S.I. 2001/1215, art. 2

F1631E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para.223, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch.1

F1732E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F17Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para.223, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch.1

F1833E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F18Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para.223, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch.1

F1934E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F19Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para.223, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F2035E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F20Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para.223, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch.1

F2136E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F21Sch. 7 para. 36 repealed (1.4.2003 for E., 9.1.2004 for W.) by Education Act 2002 (c. 32), s. 216(4), Sch. 22 Pt. 3 (with ss. 210(8), 214(4)); S.I. 2003/124, art. 4; S.I. 2003/2961, art. 7, Sch. Pt. IV

37E+WIn section 537(4) of that Act (power of Secretary of State to require information from governing bodies etc.), at the end add “ ; and regulations under this section may provide that, in such circumstances as may be prescribed, the provision of information to a person other than the Secretary of State is to be treated, for the purposes of any provision of such regulations or this section, as compliance with any requirement of such regulations relating to the provision of information to the Secretary of State. ”

38E+WFor the cross-heading “CORPORAL PUNISHMENT” preceding section 548 of that Act substitute—

“ PUNISHMENT AND RESTRAINT OF PUPILSE+W

Corporal punishment”.E+W

39E+WIn section 551 of that Act (regulations as to the duration of the school day, etc.), after subsection (1) insert—

“(1A)In subsection (1) the reference to the duration of the school year at any such schools is a reference to the number of school sessions that must be held during any such year.”

F2240E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F22Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para.223, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch.1

41E+WIn section 571 of that Act (publication of guidance)—

(a)in subsection (1) for “of the provisions mentioned in subsection (2) below” substitute “ provision of this Act ”; and

(b)omit subsection (2).

42E+WAt the end of section 578 of that Act (“the Education Acts”) add—

“the Education Act 1997.”

43E+WIn section 579(1) of that Act (general interpretation), after the definition of “school day” insert—

  • ““school year”, in relation to a school, means the period beginning with the first school term to begin after July and ending with the beginning of the first such term to begin after the following July;”.

44E+WIn section 580 of that Act (the index) at the appropriate places insert—

(in the entry relating to “child”)

“(in Chapter I of Part VI except sections 431 to 433)section 411(8)”.
“school yearsection 579(1)”.
“wholly based on selection by reference to ability or aptitude (in Chapter I of Part VI)section 411(9)”.

Commencement Information

I5Sch. 7 para. 44 wholly in force at 1.9.1997; Sch. 7 para. 44 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 58(3); Sch. 7 para. 44 in force at 14.6.1997 to the extent that it inserts the reference to “school year” into section 580 of the 1996 Act and in force at 1.9.1997 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 1997/1468, art. 2, Sch.1 Pts. I, II

F2345E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F23Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para.223, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch.1

F2446E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F24Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para.223, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch.1

F2547E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F25Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para. 223, Sch.31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch.1

F2648E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F26Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para.223, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch.1

F2749E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para.223, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch.1

F2850E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F28Sch. 7 paras. 15-22, 25, 31-35, 40, 45-51 repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(1)(3), Sch. 30 para.223, Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch.1

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