Is attendance mandatory in primary and secondary schools?

I’m considering enrolling my children in primary and secondary education in an unfamiliar country and want to understand the baseline requirements. Given that compulsory education laws vary globally, could you clarify if attendance is legally mandated in all primary and secondary schools worldwide? Specifically, I’m interested in:
1. Whether all students are required to attend school physically (as opposed to optional remote learning),
2. The typical legal consequences for parents and students if attendance laws are violated (such as fines or truancy charges),
3. Whether exceptions exist (e.g., medical conditions, religious exemptions, or approved homeschooling programs), and
4. How these requirements differ between regions within federal countries like the U.S., Canada, or Australia.
This depth of detail would help me evaluate potential school systems and legal obligations we might face.

Yes, attendance is mandatory for primary and secondary education in virtually all jurisdictions globally, governed by compulsory education laws. Key details are:

1. Legal Basis: Compulsory education statutes exist in every state, province, and country, mandating school attendance for children within a defined age range.
2. Typical Age Ranges:
   • Start: Most jurisdictions require attendance starting between ages 5 and 8.
     • England, Wales, Northern Ireland: Age 5
     • USA: Typically age 6-7 (varies by state)
     • Many EU Countries: Age 6 (e.g., Germany, France, Netherlands)
     • Canada: Age 5-6 (varies by province/territory)
     • Australia: Age 5-6 (varies by state/territory)
     • Scotland: Age 5 (though some start part-time earlier)
   • End: Most jurisdictions require attendance until age 16, 17, or 18.
     • England, Wales, Northern Ireland: Until the last Friday in June of the school year they turn 16, but must remain in education or training until 18 (apprenticeship, college, work-based learning).
     • USA: Typically until age 16-18 (17 or 18 in most states).
     • Most EU Countries: Age 16 or 17 (e.g., France age 16; Germany varies by state, usually 15-16).
     • Canada: Typically until age 16-18 (e.g., Ontario, Manitoba: 18; Quebec: 16-18 depending on program).
     • Australia: Typically until age 17 or 16 with conditions (e.g., Victoria: 17; NSW: 17; Qld, WA, NT, ACT: 16).
     • Scotland: Age 16.
3. Enforcement: Non-compliance results in legal consequences, including:
   • Fines or penalties for parents/guardians.
   • Court appearances and potential jail time for parents/guardians in extreme cases of truancy.
   • Student court proceedings in some jurisdictions.
   • Referral to social services or child welfare agencies for persistent absences.
   • Academic penalties for the student (e.g., loss of credits, grade retention, inability to advance).
   • Involvement of Truancy Officers or Attendance Officers to investigate and intervene.
4. Tracked Absences: Schools are legally required to track daily attendance for every student and report unexcused absences.
5. Valid Excuses: Laws recognize legitimate reasons for absence, such as:
   • Illness (with medical documentation often required for extended periods).
   • Medical or dental appointments.
   • Bereavement.
   • Family emergencies.
   • Religious observances (where permitted by law).
   • Authorized educational travel.
   • Court appearances.
6. Homeschooling/Alternatives: Some jurisdictions permit homeschooling or other alternative education methods (e.g., online schools, independent study) instead of traditional school attendance, but these usually require formal notification, approval, and adherence to specific curriculum or educational standards mandated by law. They are not automatic exemptions from compulsory education.
7. Duration: The requirement usually covers the entire academic school year and standard school hours defined by the local education authority. Extended absences without valid reason are not permitted.
8. Jurisdictional Variations: Specific ages, start dates, end dates, exact regulations, enforcement mechanisms, and requirements for alternative education vary significantly between countries, states, provinces, and even school districts. Local laws must be consulted for precise obligations.

In summary, compulsory education laws universally mandate that children and teenagers attend primary and secondary school during specified ages, enforced through legal measures for both parents/guardians and students, with only limited and formally approved exceptions.