Thinking About Homeschooling?

So, you’re considering teaching your child at home—whether full-time or just a few days a week. That’s called home education (also known as elective home education or homeschooling), and yes, it’s totally legal in the UK.

First Things First: Let the School Know

If your child is already enrolled in school and you're planning to switch to homeschooling full-time, you'll need to let the school know. They can’t stop you from taking your child out completely.

But if you're thinking about a mix—some days at school, some at home—that’s trickier. The school has the final say on that and can say no.

Also, if your child is in school because of something called a "school attendance order," you’ll need to get permission from your local council before switching to home education.

What About the Curriculum?

You’re legally responsible for making sure your child gets a full-time education starting from age 5. But here’s the good news—you don’t have to stick to the national curriculum. That means you’ve got the freedom to tailor your child’s learning to suit their interests, pace, and style.

That said, your local council might check in to make sure your child is getting a proper education. They might ask for some info or even issue a school attendance order if they think your child isn’t being properly educated at home.

Got a Child with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?

If your child has special needs and goes to a special school, you’ll need to ask the council before you start homeschooling. But if your child is in a mainstream school—even with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan—you don’t need to ask for permission.

Want to Dig Deeper?

There’s an official guide called the elective home education guidance that explains everything in more detail—like your legal responsibilities and what the council can and can’t do.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/elective-home-education