The result of processes that run through a learner’s life and education up to the point of leaving school. It might refer to the phenomenon of:
- ‘leaving school before the end of compulsory education’ – a point which varies from country to country (formal definition) and/or
- ‘leaving school without adequate skills, knowledge or qualifications to deal with adult life and employment’ (functional definition).
Early school leaving ‘should be seen as closely related to other forms of limitation in educational opportunities, participation and achievement. In many cases, it stems from underlying social disadvantage’ (European Agency, 2016a, pp. 5–6).
‘Drop-out’ is often used as a synonym or as an outcome for early school leaving.