Home Schooling

Home Education, also known as Elective Home Education or Home-Schooling, allows parents to teach their children either full time or part time. Parents can seek support from their local council to ensure their child receives a suitable education.

Government Guidelines for Educating Your Child at Home

The government mandates that parents who choose to home educate must inform the school in writing. If you remove your child from the school roll completely, the school is required to accept this. However, permission may be refused if you plan to enroll your child part time. Parents subject to a school attendance order must obtain council permission before beginning home education.

Download the Government guidelines for educating your child at home (PDF) Learn more about Elective Home Education
Download our template letter for deregistration (PDF) Guide to Withdrawing Your Child from School

Government Guidelines for Education Quality and Curriculum

Children aged 5 and above must receive a full-time education but are not required to follow the national curriculum. Local councils may conduct informal enquiries to ensure the education provided at home is suitable. If concerns arise, the council may issue a school attendance order.

Explore more on Education Quality and Curriculum

Government Guidelines if Your Child Has Special Educational Needs (SEN)

If your child has SEN and attends a special needs school, you must obtain council permission before starting home education. No permission is required if the child attends a mainstream school, even with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. Councils can provide financial support under Section 19 or Section 319 of the Education Act 1996 to meet your child’s needs.

Download Elective Home Education – Departmental guidance for parents (PDF)
Download the Revised Funding Guidance (PDF)
Download Home Education – Education Reports (PDF) Read more on SEN and Home Education

Putting Your School on Notice

To formally notify your child’s school of your intention to home educate, use a template letter that includes all required details. This ensures a clear paper trail and compliance with legal requirements.

Withdrawing Children from School

Once the school has been notified, you may withdraw your child from the state system. While advance notice is not legally required, it is recommended to maintain a solid record, which can be helpful if required by the council in the future.

For the latest official guidance, visit Gov.uk Home Education.