A Parent’s Guide to Home Education in the UK (Legal & Practical Rules)

princessowleducation
4 days ago
3 min read

Thinking about educating your child at home? In the UK, home education (also called "elective home education") is a legal and valid alternative to school. This guide explains the main rules, your responsibilities, and how to stay on the right side of the law.

1. Is Home Education Legal in the UK?

Yes. Under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 (England and Wales), parents are responsible for ensuring their child receives a suitable full-time education, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise (which includes home education).

Similar laws apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but procedures may vary slightly.

2. Do I Need Permission?

If your child is not enrolled in a school: You do not need to ask anyone’s permission. You can begin home educating at any time.
If your child is already in a school (state or private): You must write to the school formally requesting to de-register your child. The headteacher must accept this (in England and Wales). In Scotland, you must get consent from the local authority before removing your child from a state school.

3. Notifying the Local Authority (LA)

In England and Wales, you are not legally required to notify the local authority unless your child is being withdrawn from a school. However, many parents choose to inform them to keep things transparent.
In Scotland, you must seek permission from the local authority before de-registering a child from school.
In Northern Ireland, the rules are similar to England and Wales, but local authorities (Education and Library Boards) may make informal contact.

4. What Is a “Suitable Education”?

There’s no strict curriculum, but the education you provide must be:

Full-time (no official definition, but typically equivalent to school hours)
Efficient (achieves what it sets out to do)
Suitable to the age, ability, and needs of your child (including any special educational needs)

You do not have to follow the National Curriculum, do formal exams, or teach specific subjects – but your approach should show progress and structure.

5. Monitoring by the Local Authority

Local authorities have a duty to ensure children are receiving a suitable education, but they have no automatic right to enter your home or speak to your child.

They may write to you and ask for:

A written report
Samples of work
A meeting (which you may decline)

If they’re not satisfied, they can issue a School Attendance Order, requiring the child to attend school – but this is rare and usually follows a process with chances to respond.

6. Special Educational Needs (SEN)

If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP):

You can still home educate.
If your child is in a special school, you’ll need permission from the local authority before de-registering.
You’ll be responsible for arranging any special provision at home unless agreed otherwise.

7. Exams and Qualifications

Home-educated children can still sit GCSEs and A-Levels as private candidates at exam centres. This must be arranged and paid for by the parents.

There is no legal requirement for your child to sit formal exams.

8. Financial Support

There is no government funding for home education in the UK. Parents are responsible for all costs, including books, materials, and exam fees.

9. Re-Enrolling in School

If you decide to return your child to school later, you may apply through the normal admissions process. There is no guarantee of a place at the same school or year group.

10. Useful Tips

Keep a record of learning activities, work samples, and progress (in case the LA asks).
Join local or online home education groups for support and resources.
Stay informed on local policies, as procedures can vary by council.

Final Thoughts

Home education is a legal, flexible, and rewarding path for many families in the UK. As long as you meet your legal responsibilities and provide a suitable education, you are free to tailor the learning experience to your child’s needs.

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