LAWS OF TUVALU
2008 Revised Edition

CAP. 30.05.4

EDUCATION (COMPULSORY EDUCATION) ORDER

MADE UNDER SECTION 35 OF THE EDUCATION ACT1

Commencement [1 January 1984] 

1 	Short title 

This Order may be cited as the Education (Compulsory Education) Order. 

2 	Interpretation 

In this Order — 

"regular education" means efficient education for a child of school age suitable to his age, ability and aptitude by regular attendance at — 

(a) 	a registered non Government school; or 

(b) a government school, 

except where illness or reasonable excuse justifies absence; 

"school age" has the meaning given to it in Regulation 3; 

"school year" means the period — 

(a) 	commencing on the first Government school day after 1 January in any year; and 

(b) 	ending on the last Government school day in that year. 

3 	Application of this Order 

(1) 	This Order applies in relation to a child who is of school age, being the period — 

(a) 	commencing at the beginning of the school year during which he reaches the age of seven years; and 

(b) 	ending at the end of the school year during which he reaches the age of fifteen years. 

(2) 	Nothing in this Order is meant to suggest that a child can not, or should not with the approval of the Minister commence schooling anytime after attaining the age five years or continue schooling after the date specified in paragraph 3(1)(b). 

(3) 	This Order applies throughout Tuvalu. 

4 	Compulsory education 

(1) 	Subject to Regulation 5, the parents of child of school age shall secure the regular education of that child. 

(2) 	A parent who — 

(a) 	neglects to obey this Order; or 

(b) without sufficient cause ceases to obey this Order, 

is liable to a penalty in accordance with section 30(2) of the Education Act.

5 	Exemptions 

Nothing in this Order applies in relation to — 

(a) 	a child who is resident in Tuvalu solely as a result of one or both of his parents being employed under a contract directly financed, in whole or in part, by a foreign Government or a foreign-based institution; or 

(b) 	a child who is in receipt of regular education either in a school outside Tuvalu or by private tuition; or 

(c) 	a child who is so badly physically handicapped or mentally retarded that, in the opinion of a medical officer, he would in the circumstances derive no substantial benefit from schooling or further schooling; or 

(d) 	any other child exempted from this Order by the Minister or an authorised officer.