Is Home Educating Legal in the UK?

Yes, home educating is legal in the UK. While education is compulsory, you are not required to send your children to school; instead, you can choose to home educate them.

Can I Travel with My Child and Home Educate?

You can travel with your child and continue to home educate, even abroad. However, if you plan to reside in another country, you must comply with that country’s education laws.

Do I Have to Follow the National Curriculum?

No, you are not required to follow the National Curriculum when home educating. You have the flexibility to create a learning plan that best suits your child’s needs and interests.

Do I Need to Be Qualified to Teach My Child?

No, you do not need formal qualifications or a teaching background to home educate your child. The law does not require specific qualifications for parents who choose to home educate.

Do I Have to Inform the Local Authority That I Am Home Educating?

If your child has never attended school, you do not need to inform the Local Authority. However, if your child has been enrolled in school, you must inform the school’s Headteacher in writing that you wish to deregister your child. If you have been allocated a school place but wish to home educate, you should notify the Local Authority by completing the relevant form or writing to them.

What If I Want to Withdraw My Child from School?

You need to provide written notice to the Headteacher of the school to withdraw your child.

What Resources or Support Does the Local Authority Provide?

Local Authorities are not obligated to provide resources or support for home education, but some may offer access to certain resources or websites.

How Do I Register My Child for Exams?

As a home-educated student, your child will be classified as a private candidate, and there is a charge for sitting exams. You can find guides and entry forms on the websites of examining boards such as OCR and Edexcel.

At What Age Can My Child Sit for Exams?

GCSEs are typically taken by 14- to 16-year-olds, while A Levels are usually taken by 16- to 18-year-olds. However, students can take these exams at any age if they wish to gain qualifications in specific subjects.

Can I Home-Educate a Child with Additional Needs?

Yes, you can home educate a child with additional needs. If your child has an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or a statement, you must inform the Local Authority of your decision to home educate. If your child attends a special school, you will need the Local Authority’s consent to withdraw them.

What Is Flexi Schooling and How Do I Find a School That Offers It?

Flexi schooling is an arrangement where a child attends school part-time and is home educated for the remainder of the time. This arrangement is at the discretion of the Headteacher, and there is currently no appeal process if the request is denied.

Is There a Central Database of Home Education Groups?

There is no central database for home education groups, but you can find many groups and resources through social media platforms like Facebook.