Work and school
Follow these links to find out at what age you can…
Take part in Dangerous Performances
Take part in a Public Performance (singing etc)
We have also produced a legal guide At What Age Can I..? which you can buy from this link.
Baby sit
You can baby sit at any age, but baby sitting is a big responsibility and so you should really be at least 16 before you do this.
Take part in Dangerous Performances
From the age of 12 you can take part in dangerous performances, such as acrobatics, if you have a licence from the local authority.
Get a Job
You can get a part time job doing ‘light work’ from the age of 13, but there are restrictions on the number of hours that you can do. From the age of 14 there are a greater variety of jobs you can do.
You can start full time work as soon as you no longer have to go to school, which is usually at 16.
Become a Member of Parliament
You can become a member of parliament at the age of 18. You can become a local councillor or a mayor at 18. At 18 you can also vote in local and general elections.
Join the Police Force
You can join the police force when you are 18 years old.
Take part in a Public Performance (singing etc)
If you are younger than 16, you will need to get a licence from your local authority before you take part in a performance which people will pay to watch. So, for example, if you are under 16 and your band have a gig that you are getting paid for, you will need a licence. If you are 16 or older you do not need to apply for a licence.
If you are 14 or older, your parent/s can apply for a licence to allow you to take part in public performances abroad. For example, this can include signing, performing, taking part in a sport or working as a model.
Go to School
You must start full-time education from the age of 5. Your parent/s or carers must ensure that that you either go to school or have lessons at home. You can leave school on the last Friday of June if you are 16 by that date, or if you will turn 16 during the summer holidays before the beginning of the next school year.
Leave School
You can leave school on the last Friday of June if you are 16 by that date, or if you will turn 16 during the summer holidays before the beginning of the next school year.
If you turn 16 and still want to study, schools, sixth form colleges and city technology colleges are free.
You have the right to an offer of a training place if you are not in work or full time education. If you are in work, and have not reached ‘level two’ in your training, you have the right to take time off for study or training until you are 17 years old.
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