Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Patrick Grady (Scottish National Party). It was answered by Baroness Morgan of Cotes (Conservative) on Monday, 4 July 2016 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Pupils from Non-UK EU Countries

Question: If she will make it her policy that all school children who are non-UK EU nationals retain access to the education system in the event of the UK leaving the EU.

Answer: As a matter of principle all children resident in the United Kingdom receive a free state school education. That provision goes back to 1880, when compulsory attendance at school to age 10 was introduced in England and Wales. The UK remains a member of the EU until the article 50 negotiations have concluded, which could take two years or more. Until the process is completed, nothing will change. Let me tell the hon. Gentleman my view, because the Home Secretary is about to make a statement on this issue: I think that EU citizens already here, including children, should have the right to remain.

Secondary information