Choosing to educate your child at home is a legal choice in England, and thousands of families make it each year for many different reasons. If you are considering it, or have decided, it helps to know what the law requires and how to get going. This guide sets out the first steps, in plain language.
What the law says
In England, education is compulsory, but school attendance is not. Parents must make sure their child receives an efficient, full-time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude, and any special educational needs. That can be done by sending them to school or by home education. Local authorities have duties to act if it appears a child is not receiving a suitable education.
There is no requirement to follow the National Curriculum, set a particular timetable, follow school terms or hire qualified teachers. For more on the legal background, read our guide to home education in England.
Step 1: Think it through
Home education is a significant commitment of time, energy and often money. Ask yourself:
- Why am I choosing it, and is it for the short or long term?
- How will it fit with work and family life?
- What does my child want, and how do they learn best?
- What support will we have, from other families, tutors or an adviser?
Step 2: Withdraw from school
If your child is registered at a school, you write to the head teacher saying you are withdrawing them to educate at home. The school must then remove them from the register and tell the local authority. You do not need the school's permission in most cases.
There is an exception if your child attends a special school under a local authority arrangement, where consent may be needed first. If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan, get specific advice before deciding.
If your child has never been in school, you do not need to register with the local authority, although some areas operate voluntary registration.
Step 3: Decide on an approach
Families home educate in very different ways. Some follow a structured timetable and a British-curriculum framework, some are relaxed and led by interests, and many use a mix. Think about:
- A curriculum framework. Many families follow a British-curriculum route because it keeps the path to GCSEs and A-Levels clear.
- Routine. Children, and parents, generally benefit from a rhythm to the week.
- Resources. Books, online courses and local groups are all useful.
- Specialist help. Tutors can cover subjects you would rather not teach, particularly maths, science and languages at secondary level.
Step 4: Keep records
You are not required to keep formal records, but a simple log of what your child has done, along with work samples, is useful. If the local authority makes an enquiry, it shows what you are providing. It also helps you see progress.
A sample first week
There is no single right way to begin. A gentle first week might look like this, adapted to your child's age:
- Day 1 to 2: talk with your child about how they want to spend their days, set up a work space and agree a simple routine.
- Day 3 to 4: try short sessions of reading, writing and maths, plus something outdoors. Notice what works and what does not.
- Day 5: review together. What did they enjoy? What felt hard? Adjust before the next week.
Many families find a "settling-in" period, sometimes called deschooling, helpful, especially for children who have had a difficult time at school. There is no deadline for finding your rhythm.
What home education costs
There is no government funding for home education in England, so families pay for what they use. Costs vary enormously, and you control most of them. Think about:
- Resources: books, online subscriptions and equipment;
- Tutoring for subjects you would rather not teach;
- Activities: clubs, groups, sports, trips and music;
- Exams: entry fees and centre charges for private candidates;
- Your own time and income, which is often the biggest cost.
A written budget for the first term gives you a realistic starting point.
Common worries answered
"I'm not a teacher." You do not need to be. Many parents learn alongside their child, and tutors, groups and online programmes can fill gaps.
"What about work?" Families make this work in many ways, including part-time working, shift patterns, sharing responsibility with a partner or relative and using tutors. Think honestly about time before you start.
"What if my child has special educational needs?" You must provide an education suitable to their needs. Some families find home education gives flexibility. Others want support. Speak to a specialist or advisor and keep records.
"What if it does not work?" You can return your child to school. You would apply for a place in the normal way (see in-year admissions). Knowing you can change your mind makes the decision less daunting.
"Will my child be socially isolated?" Home-educating communities are active, and many children have a full social life. Build activities outside the home into your plans from the start.
Dealing with the local authority
Local authorities may make informal enquiries to check your child is receiving a suitable education. You can respond in writing, with a short summary and examples of work. You are not generally obliged to allow a home visit or interviews with your child, although cooperating politely often makes things smoother.
Exams and qualifications
Home-educated young people can take GCSEs, International GCSEs and A-Levels as private candidates at an exam centre that accepts external entries. This takes planning, because centres set their own deadlines. See our guides on entering exams as a private candidate and IGCSEs and GCSEs.
Socialisation and community
Worries about social life are common. Home-educating families usually build rich networks: local groups, clubs, sports, volunteering, drama, music and online communities. Plan some regular activity outside the home from the start.
What does it cost?
Costs are mostly yours. There is no funding for home education in England, so budget for resources, exams, tutoring and activities. Many families find it more affordable than they feared, and others invest heavily in specialist teaching.
Where we can help
Our home education service helps with curriculum planning, specialist tutors and routes to qualifications, with a dedicated consultant. See home education support and our tutoring, or book a free consultation.
