Currently, compulsory schooling extends up to the 12th grade or 18 years of age in Portugal. Pre -school education is compulsory from the age of 5. Children and young people aged between 6 and 18 are considered to be of school age, also including students in need of special education. It should be noted that the guardian has the duty to enroll the minor in public, private and cooperative schools or in education and/or training institutions recognized by the competent authorities. The student, in turn, has an obligation to attend classes. Compulsory schooling ceases with obtaining a diploma for a course leading to a secondary level of education or, regardless of obtaining a diploma for any cycle or level of education, when the student turns 18.
