When can you leave school in Scotland?
If your 16th birthday is between 1 March and 30 September, you can leave school after 31 May. If it is between 1 October and the end of February, you can leave at Christmas.
The two leaving dates
Scotland has two school leaving dates, set by section 33 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980.
- Summer leaving date: 31 May.
- Winter leaving date: the first day of your school's Christmas holidays.
Your date depends on when you turn 16, not on your school year.
| 16th birthday | When you can leave |
|---|---|
| 1 March to 30 September | After 31 May that year |
| 1 October to end of February | At the start of the Christmas holidays in that school year |
If you turn 16 between June and September, you can still leave on 31 May. The law treats you as 16 from the summer leaving date.
Worked examples for 2026/27
Leaving at Christmas 2026
The start of the Christmas holidays depends on your council. In 2026 Glasgow and Edinburgh break from Monday 21 December. Angus, Dundee and Perth and Kinross break from Thursday 24 December.
Jamie is in S5 and turns 16 on 14 November 2026. That falls in the 1 October to end of February band. Jamie can leave at the start of the Christmas holidays.
In Glasgow, the last school day is Friday 18 December 2026 and the holidays start on Monday 21 December. In Fife, the last day is Tuesday 22 December 2026.
Leaving in summer 2027
Aisha is in S4 and turns 16 on 20 April 2027. That falls in the 1 March to 30 September band. Aisha can leave after Monday 31 May 2027.
Sam turns 16 on 9 September 2027. Sam can also leave after 31 May 2027, before turning 16.
A late birthday
Ruby is in S4 and turns 16 on 3 October 2027. Ruby cannot leave in summer 2027. Her earliest date is the start of the Christmas holidays in December 2027. In Glasgow that is after the last day, Tuesday 21 December 2027.
Before you leave
- Talk to your school about your plans, including any exams you are entered for.
- Look at college, an apprenticeship, a job or volunteering. mygov.scot lists the main routes.
- If you go to college, you may get Education Maintenance Allowance.
Your guidance teacher can help you plan.
Quick answers
- Can you leave school at 15 in Scotland?
Yes, in some cases. If your 16th birthday is between 1 June and 30 September, you can leave after 31 May, while still 15.
- What is the winter leaving date in Scotland?
It is the first day of your school's Christmas holidays. It applies if your 16th birthday is between 1 October and the end of February.
- Do I need to stay in school until I am 16 in Scotland?
You must stay until your leaving date. That date depends on your birthday, so some pupils leave at 15 and others after turning 16.
- When can I leave school in summer 2027?
After Monday 31 May 2027, if your 16th birthday is between 1 March and 30 September 2027.