How to homeschool legally in the UK

Homeschooling in the UK has become an increasingly popular option for parents looking to take full control of their child’s education. Whether motivated by dissatisfaction with local schools, the desire to provide a customized learning environment, or the flexibility to travel or work from home, homeschooling offers a variety of benefits. However, it’s essential to understand the legal framework surrounding homeschooling to ensure that you’re following the required procedures and offering your child the best educational experience possible.

This comprehensive guide explains how to homeschool legally in the UK, covering everything from the initial steps of de-registering from school to ongoing responsibilities. Whether you are new to homeschooling or looking to improve your understanding of the legal aspects, this article provides everything you need to know.

What is Homeschooling?

Homeschooling, also known as home education, involves a parent or guardian taking full responsibility for educating their child outside of the traditional school system. Parents can design the curriculum, choose teaching methods, and decide when and where learning will take place. Homeschooling can be highly personalized to meet the child’s individual needs, learning styles, and interests.

Is Homeschooling Legal in the UK?

Yes, homeschooling is completely legal in the UK, as long as certain legal requirements are met. The Education Act of 1996 gives parents the right to choose the type of education they wish to provide for their children. The only obligation is that the education must be full-time, suitable to the child’s age, ability, and aptitude, and provide an education that is on par with what is offered in schools.

Key Legal Points:

Full-time education: Children must receive a full-time education. This is generally considered to be 25 hours per week during term time.
Suitable education: The education must be suitable to the child’s age, ability, and special needs, if applicable.
No requirement to follow the national curriculum: Homeschooling parents are not required to follow the National Curriculum, though many choose to do so.
No obligation to register: There is no requirement to register with the local council to homeschool your child, but de-registering your child from school must be done according to specific procedures.

Steps to Homeschool Legally in the UK

Homeschooling in the UK requires careful planning and understanding of your legal obligations. Here are the steps you need to follow to homeschool legally.

1. De-registering Your Child from School

If your child is currently enrolled in school, the first step to homeschooling is de-registering them. This step is vital to ensure you are legally clear to begin homeschooling.

Written notification: You must notify the school in writing that you intend to withdraw your child from school to homeschool them. You do not need to provide a reason, but you should formally request that they de-register your child. Schools are legally required to comply once they receive this written request.
Home education or alternative education: Make sure to specify that you are choosing to home educate, as some schools may mistakenly assume you are transferring your child to another school.

2. Notifying the Local Authority (Optional)

While you do not need to register your child with the local authority, it is advisable to inform them that you are homeschooling. This is not a legal requirement, but it helps establish communication in case any issues arise in the future.

Local Authority Notification: In some cases, local councils may ask you for details about your homeschooling plans, including the curriculum you intend to follow and how you will assess your child’s progress. You do not have to provide a detailed plan or curriculum, but it is helpful to be prepared.
Home Visits: Some local authorities may request a home visit to ensure that your home education meets the required standards. These visits are not mandatory unless there is a specific concern about the child’s welfare or education.

3. Choosing the Homeschooling Approach

Homeschooling in the UK gives parents a great deal of flexibility when it comes to choosing how they educate their children. You are not required to follow the National Curriculum, but you must ensure that your child’s education is suitable for their age and ability.

Traditional School Model: Some parents choose to follow the structure of traditional schools, using resources like textbooks, lesson plans, and even standardized tests.
Child-Led Learning: Alternatively, some parents adopt a more flexible, child-led approach, where learning is directed by the child’s interests and curiosity.
Unschooling: This approach focuses on informal, experiential learning, where children are encouraged to learn from their environment and everyday experiences, rather than structured lessons.
Online and Blended Learning: Many parents opt for online courses or a blended approach, where the child learns both independently and in a more structured format with the help of online resources or tutors.

4. Creating a Learning Environment

While homeschooling can take place in any setting, it’s important to create a space that encourages learning. This doesn’t necessarily mean a traditional classroom setup but a quiet and comfortable space that is conducive to studying and exploration.

Physical Setup: Whether it’s a designated room, a corner of the living room, or the kitchen table, ensure your child has a space where they can focus on their studies.
Resources: Invest in a variety of resources to support learning, such as books, educational websites, online courses, and interactive learning tools.
Outdoor Learning: Take advantage of the UK’s parks, museums, and nature reserves for outdoor learning experiences, as these are great ways to make education both fun and engaging.

5. Assessing Your Child’s Progress

Homeschooling requires ongoing monitoring of your child’s progress to ensure that their education is adequate and effective.

Informal Assessments: While there is no formal requirement to test or assess your child regularly, it’s important to track their progress in subjects such as maths, English, and science. This can be done through informal tests, discussions, and activities.
Portfolio: Some parents keep a portfolio of their child’s work, including samples of assignments, essays, projects, and other learning activities. This helps demonstrate progress and can be useful if the local authority requests a review.
End-of-Year Reports: While not required, some homeschooling families prepare end-of-year reports detailing what their child has learned and how their education has progressed. This can be especially useful if you plan to re-enroll your child in school at a later date.

Legal Requirements for Specific Age Groups

The legal framework for homeschooling applies across all age groups, but there are different considerations depending on the child’s age and stage of education.

1. Children Aged 5 to 16 (Compulsory School Age)

In the UK, children are required to receive a full-time education from the age of 5 until they reach the age of 16. If you choose to homeschool your child during this period, you must ensure that they are receiving an education that is of an appropriate standard.

Compulsory Education: This means that your child must be educated during school hours (usually 9 am to 3 pm). The education should meet the child’s age and ability.
No Requirement to Follow National Curriculum: While it is not mandatory to follow the National Curriculum, it’s important to ensure that your child is learning subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and other core subjects.

2. Children Aged 16-18 (Post-Compulsory Education)

Once your child reaches the age of 16, they are no longer legally required to attend school, but they must continue to receive an education, training, or employment until the age of 18. If they are being homeschooled, you can choose to continue providing education at home, or they can attend college or undertake apprenticeships.

Flexible Learning: Many homeschoolers at this age will opt to study for qualifications such as GCSEs or A-Levels, which can be done privately through exam centres or online.
Qualification Options: Homeschoolers can also choose to pursue vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, or other forms of training.

Dealing with Local Authorities

As a homeschooling parent, you are not legally required to provide a detailed educational plan to your local council. However, if the local authority has concerns about the suitability of your child’s education or welfare, they may conduct a home visit or request a review.

Local Authority Concerns: In some cases, a local authority may contact you to request a home visit or further information about your child’s education. You are not obligated to accept a home visit, but it is important to maintain good communication.
School Inspections: The local authority may only step in if they believe that your child’s education is inadequate or that they are at risk of harm. This can lead to an inspection of your home or educational plan.

Summary Table: Homeschooling Legally in the UK

Step	Description
1. De-register from school	Notify the school in writing that you wish to withdraw your child to homeschool.
2. Inform the Local Authority	While optional, it is advisable to inform your local council about your homeschooling plans.
3. Choose a Homeschooling Method	Decide on a learning approach (e.g., traditional, child-led, unschooling, online learning).
4. Create a Learning Environment	Set up a suitable space for learning and gather necessary resources and tools.
5. Monitor Progress	Track your child’s learning progress through informal assessments and a portfolio of work.
6. Understand Age-Related Legalities	Ensure your child’s education meets the legal requirements based on their age and stage of learning.
7. Deal with Local Authorities	Maintain communication with your local authority, especially if they request a home visit or report.

Conclusion

Homeschooling in the UK offers parents an incredible opportunity to take control of their child’s education and provide a tailored learning experience. By understanding the legal requirements and following the necessary steps, parents can ensure that they are homeschooling legally and providing a high-quality education for their children.

Remember, while homeschooling is a legal option, it requires commitment, organization, and consistency. With the right resources, support, and planning, homeschooling can be a highly rewarding experience for both parents and children.