You don't become eligible to receive the National Minimum Wage until the end of the summer term in Year 11. (i.e. at the end of the term which includes your official school-leaving date). That will apply irrespective of whether you've had your 16th birthday or not. The current minimum rate for 'school leavers' is �3.30 per hour: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employe es/Pay/DG_10027201
15 year old's are not entitled to minimum wage as they do not have national insurance numbers. 15 year olds are aloowed to work still but they must have a permit issued by the local council which has also been agreed with the employer. The current mimimum wage for a 16-17 year old is �3.40 p/h.