Homeschooling in the UK is becoming an increasingly popular choice for families looking for a flexible approach to education. Large class sizes, underfunding, bullying and mental health issues are all factors cited by parents as reasons for turning to home education. On 12th December 2024, the Department for Education (DfE) reported, 'As at census date in autumn 2024, local authorities reported 111,700 children in elective home education (EHE). This is an increase from an estimated 92,000 in the previous autumn'. If you’re considering home educating for the first time or looking for guidance on how to get started, this guide will help you navigate the process!
Is Homeschooling Legal in the UK?
Yes, homeschooling (or home education) is completely legal in the UK. Parents have the right to educate their children at home under the Education Act 1996, which states that children must receive an education suitable to their age, ability and any special educational needs. Children must receive a full-time education from the age of 5.
Do You Need to Notify Anyone?
If your child is currently enrolled in a school, you must write to the headteacher asking them to de-register your child, informing them that you are going to educate them at home. The headteacher who will then inform the local authority.
Official guidance from the government states, 'If your child is currently at school, you should tell the school if you plan to educate them at home. The school must accept if you’re taking your child out completely. They can refuse if you want to send your child to school some of the time.'
If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and attends a special school, you will need permission from the local authority before deregistering them.
Do You Have to Follow the National Curriculum?
There isn't a legal requirement for home educators to follow the National Curriculum, although many parents choose to do so. With homeschooling, you're free to design an educational approach that best suits your child’s learning style and interests! They'll probably love our hands-on resources for a start! Some parents choose to follow the National Curriculum, while others adopt alternative approaches such as Montessori, unschooling or a mix of different methods.
You don't need to be a qualified teacher to home educate your child and unlike schools, no Ofsted inspections will take place. Your local authority can provide information and support, so don’t be afraid to contact them. Most local authorities will contact you at least once a year requesting information about the education provided and the progress your child is making.
How Do You Plan Your Child’s Education?
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to home education and no legal requirement for the number of hours your child needs to be home educated. Mainstream state schools are required to provide a 32.5-hour week but a fair amount of this time is taken up with lunch, breaks and transition times. With homeschooling, you can work and take breaks when it's best for you and your children! These are some of the learning approaches which home educators use:
Structured learning – Following a timetable similar to school, with planned lessons and assessments.
Semi-structured learning – A mix of formal lessons and child-led learning.
Unschooling – Learning through everyday experiences, focusing on a child’s interests rather than structured lessons.
Project-based learning – Exploring topics in depth through hands-on activities and research.
Socialisation and Activities
A common concern about home education is socialisation. Will my child have any friends? However, many home-educated children take part in:
• Local homeschooling groups
• Sports clubs and extracurricular activities
• Online learning communities
• Educational trips to museums, galleries, and historical sites
Homeschooling groups and co-ops provide great opportunities for children to interact with their peers and participate in group learning activities.
Support and Resources
There are lots of resources available to support homeschooling families in the UK, including:
Educational websites – this one (!), BBC Bitesize, Oak National Academy
Home education organisations – Education Otherwise
Local councils – Some provide resources and advice for home educators
Final Thoughts
Home education offers a unique and flexible way to educate children, allowing you to tailor learning to your child’s needs and interests. While it requires commitment and planning, many families find it a really rewarding experience.
Are you currently homeschooling or thinking about starting? Share your experiences and questions in the comments!
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Images from geralt, Mimzy, Mojpe and tarasyasinksi - all can be found on Pixabay.
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