school leaving

[skuːl ˈliːvɪŋ]
nounpl: school leavings
abandono escolar / saída da escola
1. the act of departing from school, either by graduation or by dropping out before completion
School leaving age in the UK is 16 years old.
A idade de abandono escolar no Reino Unido é 16 anos.
2. the period or process of finishing one's formal education at a school
Many students plan their future careers around their school leaving date.
Muitos alunos planejam suas carreiras futuras em torno da data de saída da escola.
3. a qualifying examination taken when leaving secondary school
She passed her school leaving exams with distinction.
Ela passou nos exames de saída da escola com destaque.
This term is more commonly used in British and Commonwealth educational systems. In Brazil and Portugal, the concept is important for official statistics on educational completion and dropout rates (evasão escolar). In the US, Americans tend to use 'graduation' or 'dropping out' rather than 'school leaving.' The term carries both positive connotations (successful completion) and negative ones (premature departure/dropout), depending on context.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
graduationdeparture from schoolschool completionfinishing school
Antonyms / Antônimos
school entryenrollmentschool admission

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
abandono escolar / conclusão do ensino médio
commonly refers to either dropping out or completing secondary school
Portugal
saída da escola / conclusão do ensino secundário
more commonly used in official educational contexts
United Kingdom
school leaving age / GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education)
term is legally and institutionally significant; refers to minimum age of 16
United States
high school graduation / dropout
less commonly used; Americans typically say 'graduation' or 'dropping out'

Related Words

dropoutgraduationsecondary educationcertificateexpulsiontruancy

Related Idioms & Phrases

school leaving age
school leaving examination
school leaving certificate
early school leaving
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