Are you considering homeschooling your child in the UK? It’s important to be aware of the legal requirements and regulations. We provide clear guidance on the necessary steps and can help you navigate the homeschooling process with confidence.
Parents in England are choosing to teach their children at home. This is because they want their children to learn differently or have a different learning environment. They like that they can change how they teach and what they teach based on what works best for each child. They can help their child learn based on their strengths and focus on the whole child, not just core subjects. In this blog post we discuss homeschooling legalities and requirements in the UK and provide you with helpful resources.
In England, parents are responsible for ensuring that a child of compulsory school age receives a suitable full-time education, either by attending school or otherwise. Parents can choose to provide this education at home, often referred to as Elective Home Education (EHE). You do not need to be a qualified teacher, follow the National Curriculum or enter your child for formal qualifications.
There is currently no general legal requirement to register as a home educator or notify your local authority simply because you choose to educate your child at home. If your child is already registered at a school, you should normally notify the school in writing that you are withdrawing them to be educated at home. The school will then notify the local authority. Different rules apply in certain circumstances, including where a child attends a special school under arrangements made by the local authority or is subject to a School Attendance Order.
The local authority may make informal enquiries to satisfy itself that your child is receiving a suitable education. It may ask to meet you or visit your home, but under current law parents are not generally required to agree to a home visit. Parents should nevertheless provide sufficient information to demonstrate that a suitable education is being provided.
Having an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) does not prevent a child from being educated at home. If a parent chooses to provide suitable home education, the local authority should consider whether the arrangements are appropriate for the child’s needs and continue to review the EHCP as required. Parents do not generally need the local authority’s permission to withdraw a child from a mainstream school for home education. However, if the child is attending a special school under arrangements made by the local authority, the child should not be removed from the school roll without the local authority’s consent. A refusal of consent may be challenged through the appropriate process.
Please note: The law relating to elective home education is due to change following the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, including new registration and notification requirements. These changes are not yet part of the current home education process. We will update this guide as the new requirements and implementation dates are confirmed.
Current government guidance confirms that home-educating parents are not required to follow the National Curriculum, hold teaching qualifications or reproduce school-style education. There are no legal requirements for parents educating a child at home to do any of the following:
However, Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 states: “It shall be the duty of the parent of every child of compulsory school age to cause him or her to receive efficient full-time education suitable for his age, ability and aptitude, and to any special educational needs he may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise”. “Efficient” is not clearly defined in this act, but an education should equip a child for their life and not limit life choices.
If your child is currently registered at a mainstream school and you decide to educate them at home, you should normally write to the school confirming that your child will no longer attend because they will be educated otherwise than at school. It is sensible to keep a copy of this correspondence for your records. The school will then notify the local authority.
Different procedures apply in some circumstances. For example, if your child attends a special school under arrangements made by the local authority, you will need the local authority’s consent before their name can be removed from the school roll. If your child is subject to a School Attendance Order, you should also contact the local authority before withdrawing them.
There is currently no prescribed set of documents or curriculum plan that parents must produce in order to electively home educate. However, keeping records of your child’s learning, resources, activities and progress can be useful when planning their education and responding to any enquiries from the local authority about its suitability.
Homeschooling lets you make a curriculum just for your child. First, figure out how they learn best: by seeing, hearing, or moving around. Then ask them what they like to learn about and what they are interested in. This will help them stay excited and enjoy learning.
To teach well, use different ways to help your child learn. You can use books, online classes, fun games, and hands-on activities. Be ready to change what you’re teaching if your child gets older or likes different things. Doing real things in the world, like going on trips or helping the community, will also help them understand better. The most important thing is to make learning special for your child and give them a good education that fits their needs.
To help your child do well in school, make sure their study space is good. Pick a quiet place with good light and not many things around to distract them. Have a table or desk that fits them and comfy chairs to sit on so they can sit up straight and pay attention.
Make your study space feel special by adding stuff like posters, books, and art supplies. Have a schedule for when you study and take breaks to help you stay organised. Let your child help set up their workspace so it feels like theirs and helps them learn better.
Parents can choose to educate a child with SEND at home, and the learning approach can be adapted around the child’s individual strengths and needs. Under the current rules, there is no general requirement to notify the local authority directly simply because you choose Elective Home Education. If your child is already registered at a mainstream school, you should normally notify the school in writing when withdrawing them for home education. Different rules apply where a child attends a special school under arrangements made by the local authority or is subject to a School Attendance Order.
If your child has an EHCP, it is useful to maintain clear records of their learning, progress and support needs. The local authority continues to have responsibilities relating to the EHCP and should review it as required.
At Bright Heart, we know homeschooling or home education can be scary but also offer your child a tailored education. We are here to help you! You can find more helpful things on our website and visit our helpful blog.
If you have any questions or need more help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We hope you have a great time homeschooling!
If your child attends a mainstream school, you should normally notify the school in writing that you are withdrawing your child to educate them at home. Keep a copy of the notification for your records. The school will then inform the local authority. Different rules apply if your child attends a special school under arrangements made by the local authority or is subject to a School Attendance Order, in which case local authority consent may be required.
You can choose to send your child back to school whenever you want. But you need to enrol them in a school like usual. It’s a good idea to talk to their old school and the local authority before making this decision.
Any parent in England can choose to homeschool their child. You don’t need special papers or skills. But it’s a big responsibility and you have to be sure it’s the best choice for your child’s learning.
Parents don’t need to be teachers or have special qualifications to homeschool in the UK. But they should care a lot about making sure their child learns well. There are lots of places to get help and ideas for teaching, like on the internet or in books. Other families who homeschool and teachers can also give good advice.
Kids need to make friends and get along with others. Some parents worry about this when they teach their kids at home, but there are many ways for homeschooled kids to meet new people.
Homeschooled kids can join sports teams, and clubs, and do activities with other families who homeschool. This is a good way for them to learn and meet different people of all ages and backgrounds. As long as parents make sure their child has opportunities to socialise, homeschooling can be a great choice. It gives kids a unique education that suits their needs. Have a look at our other blog for online groups.
Homeschooled kids have lots of chances to play sports. They can join teams in their neighbourhood, clubs that are private or do gym classes at a nearby school. And being homeschooled means they have more time to do the sports they like and try new ones too. Parents can also plan fun outdoor games for exercise at home.
Homeschooling lets parents make their child’s education fit their needs. If a child needs more help in some subjects, parents can spend more time and use more tools to teach those subjects. Parents can also get advice from other homeschooling families or hire someone to help teach if they need it.
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