Do I need permission to home educate?

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland: no. You have the legal right to home educate without permission or registration. In Scotland, if your child has attended a local authority school, you need LA consent to withdraw — but this is rarely refused. If your child has never been enrolled in a public school, no consent is needed in any nation.

Do I need to be a qualified teacher?

No. There is no requirement for any teaching qualification. Many successful home educating parents have no teaching background. What matters legally is that the education is "efficient" and "suitable" to the child's age, ability, and aptitude.

Will the council inspect us?

The LA has no automatic right to enter your home or see your child. They may make "informal enquiries" to satisfy themselves that suitable education is being provided. You can respond in writing — a home visit is not required. If the LA believes education is not suitable, they can issue a School Attendance Order, which you can challenge.

How do home-educated children take GCSEs?

As private candidates at an exam centre. You need to find a centre willing to accept private candidates (not all do), register by the deadline (usually October for summer exams), and pay per-subject fees (£30–80). Practical subjects (science, art) are harder as they require supervised coursework or practical exams.

What about socialisation?

The most common concern — and usually the least warranted. Home education groups meet regularly across the UK. Most areas have weekly park meets, sports sessions, art groups, and educational trips. Many home-educated children have broader social networks than schooled children because they interact with people of all ages, not just their year group.

Can I home educate a child with an EHCP?

Yes. The LA retains its duty to maintain the EHCP and arrange the provision specified in it, even if your child is home-educated. In practice, this can be complex — the LA may argue it cannot deliver certain provisions outside a school setting. Seek advice from IPSEA or SOS!SEN if you face resistance.

Can I home educate part-time and send my child to school part-time?

"Flexi-schooling" is possible but entirely at the headteacher's discretion. There is no legal right to it. Some schools are very open to flexi-schooling; many refuse. The child remains on the school roll and must follow school rules when attending. Attendance codes cover the home-educated days.

What happens if I withdraw my child from school?

Write to the headteacher stating you are withdrawing your child to home educate. The school must remove your child from the roll and notify the LA. You do not need the school's permission (except in Scotland for LA schools). The LA may then contact you about your provision, but you are under no obligation to follow their advice.

Is a register of home-educated children coming?

In England, the Schools Bill 2022 proposed a mandatory register but fell when Parliament was prorogued. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (2024) revived the proposal — it would require LAs to maintain a register and give them powers to check suitability. As of April 2026, this is not yet law. Wales has consulted on similar proposals.

Can home-educated children go to university?

Yes. Universities accept home-educated students through UCAS. Some universities have specific home-ed admissions policies. Strong GCSE results (as private candidate) and A-levels or equivalent qualifications are the standard route. A portfolio of work, personal statement, and references from tutors or community leaders can supplement formal qualifications.

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Parent Guide

Home Education

Your legal right, your choice of method, your pace. This guide covers the law in all four nations, the main approaches, costs, exams, and how to handle the local authority.

25–30 min readAll UK nationsUpdated April 2026

Key facts

Home education is legal in all four UK nations — no permission or registration is required in England, Wales, or NI.
You do not need any teaching qualifications. There is no requirement to follow the National Curriculum.
The local authority has no automatic right to enter your home or see your child — you can respond to enquiries in writing.
GCSE exams cost £30–£80 per subject as a private candidate; you must find a centre that accepts external entries.
Children with EHCPs retain full LA support — annual reviews and provision continue even when home-educated.

86,200+

Home-educated children in England (2024/25)

Qualifications needed to home educate

Different legal frameworks (one per nation)

£0

Minimum cost (free resources exist)

Legislation is changing

The UK Government's Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (2024) proposes a mandatory register of home-educated children in England. As of April 2026, this is not yet law. Wales has consulted on similar proposals. Scotland and NI have no current plans for a register. This guide reflects the law as it stands today.

Your Legal Rights

Home education is legal in all four UK nations, but the rules differ. Understanding your rights is essential.

England

Legal basis: Section 7 of the Education Act 1996. Parents must ensure children receive "efficient full-time education suitable to age, ability, aptitude, and any SEN".

Notification: No legal requirement to notify the LA. However, if withdrawing from school, the school informs the LA. The LA may make "informal enquiries" if it believes a child is not receiving suitable education.

Curriculum: No requirement to follow the National Curriculum. Parents have complete freedom over content, method, and timing.

Monitoring: No automatic right of entry to your home. The LA can issue a School Attendance Order (SAO) if it believes education is not suitable — you can challenge this in court.

Exams: No automatic right to sit GCSEs. You must find an exam centre willing to accept private candidates. Costs: £30–80 per subject.

SEND: LA retains duty to maintain EHCPs. Annual reviews still apply. LA must arrange provision named in the EHCP even if the child is home-educated.

Wales

Legal basis: Same Education Act 1996 (Section 7) applies in Wales. Similar rights to England.

Notification: No legal requirement to register. If withdrawing from school, the school notifies the LA. The Welsh Government has proposed a mandatory register (not yet law as of April 2026).

Curriculum: No requirement to follow the Curriculum for Wales. Freedom over content and approach.

Monitoring: The LA may make enquiries. Similar to England — no automatic right of entry. The Welsh Government has consulted on strengthening LA powers but no legislation yet.

Exams: Same as England. Private candidate entry at exam centres. Some Welsh-medium exams available through WJEC.

SEND: LA retains duties under the ALN Act 2018. Individual Development Plans (IDPs) continue for home-educated children.

Scotland

Legal basis: Section 30 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980. Parents must provide "efficient education" suitable to the child's age, ability, and aptitude.

Notification: If withdrawing from a local authority school, you must get LA consent. If the child has never been in a public school, no notification is needed. Private school withdrawal requires no LA consent.

Curriculum: No requirement to follow Curriculum for Excellence. Complete freedom.

Monitoring: The LA may contact you annually to discuss education provision. No right of entry to the home. The approach is generally more collaborative.

Exams: SQA exams can be sat as an external candidate at a presenting centre. Costs vary by centre and subject.

SEND: LA retains duties under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004. Co-ordinated Support Plans (CSPs) continue.

Northern Ireland

Legal basis: Article 45 of the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986. Parents must cause children to receive "efficient full-time education suitable to age, ability, and aptitude".

Notification: If withdrawing from school, you should notify the school. The Education Authority (EA) may make enquiries.

Curriculum: No requirement to follow the NI Curriculum. Freedom over content and methods.

Monitoring: The EA may visit annually. In practice, monitoring is light-touch. No legal right of entry.

Exams: GCSEs available through CCEA and other exam boards. Private candidate registration through exam centres.

SEND: EA retains duties for children with Statements of SEN. Annual reviews continue.

Teaching Approaches

There is no "right" method. Most families use an eclectic mix and evolve their approach over time.

Structured / school-at-home

Follows a timetable and curriculum materials. Textbooks, workbooks, and formal lessons. Close to a school experience but at home.

Best for

Families wanting clear structure, children preparing for GCSEs, parents who feel more confident with a "syllabus" to follow.

Watch out for

Can replicate school problems (boredom, resistance) if too rigid. Flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of home ed — use it.

Charlotte Mason

Short lessons (15–20 mins for younger children), "living books" (not textbooks), nature study, narration, copywork, and habit training.

Best for

Literature-loving families, younger children, parents who value character education alongside academics.

Watch out for

May not provide enough exam preparation for GCSEs without supplementation. Less structured than some families need.

Classical education

Based on the Trivium: Grammar (facts, ages 5–11), Logic (reasoning, ages 11–14), Rhetoric (expression, ages 14–18). Heavy on history, Latin, and logic.

Best for

Academically ambitious families, children who enjoy deep study, families interested in a historically-grounded approach.

Watch out for

Can be very intensive. Latin/logic resources are harder to find in the UK than the US. Not every child thrives on this level of academic focus.

Unschooling / autonomous education

Child-led learning. No set curriculum or timetable. Children follow their interests and learn through play, exploration, and life experience.

Best for

Self-motivated children, families who trust children's natural curiosity, creative and unconventional learners.

Watch out for

Can be hard to evidence for LA enquiries. Some children need more structure than they'd choose. GCSEs require deliberate preparation.

Eclectic / mixed

The most common approach. Combines elements from multiple methods. Might use a maths curriculum but unschool for science, or follow Charlotte Mason for English but use textbooks for maths.

Best for

Most families. The flexibility to adapt to each child's needs and each subject's demands.

Watch out for

Can feel directionless without some planning. Having a rough termly plan helps even if you deviate from it regularly.

Online school / distance learning

Full-time online provision with live or recorded lessons, assignments, and tutors. Providers include InterHigh, Wolsey Hall, Oxford Home Schooling, and others.

Best for

Families wanting professional teaching, children preparing for GCSEs/A-levels, working parents who need structured hours.

Watch out for

Costs: £2,000–6,000+/year. Screen time concerns. Less flexibility than self-directed home ed. Quality varies enormously — research providers carefully.

Explore all your school type options

Answer 7 questions to compare state, grammar, faith, independent, specialist, and home education.

Costs Breakdown

Home education can cost £0 or £10,000+/year. It depends entirely on your approach.

Item	Typical cost	Notes
Curriculum materials / textbooks	£0–500/year	Free resources available (Khan Academy, BBC Bitesize, library books). Full curriculum packages cost more.
Online school	£2,000–6,000+/year	Full-time online provision with tutors. Part-time options available at lower cost.
GCSE exam entries	£30–80 per subject	Private candidate fees. You'll also need to find a centre — some charge admin fees on top.
Tutors	£25–60/hour	Common for GCSE subjects. Some families share tutors to reduce cost. Online tutoring is often cheaper.
Activities / groups	£0–200/month	Home ed groups are often free or low-cost. Sports clubs, music lessons, and trips add up.
Resources / equipment	£100–500/year	Science equipment, art supplies, educational software. Libraries and resource-sharing reduce costs.

Curriculum materials / textbooks

£0–500/year

Free resources available (Khan Academy, BBC Bitesize, library books). Full curriculum packages cost more.

Online school

£2,000–6,000+/year

Full-time online provision with tutors. Part-time options available at lower cost.

GCSE exam entries

£30–80 per subject

Private candidate fees. You'll also need to find a centre — some charge admin fees on top.

Tutors

£25–60/hour

Common for GCSE subjects. Some families share tutors to reduce cost. Online tutoring is often cheaper.

Activities / groups

£0–200/month

Home ed groups are often free or low-cost. Sports clubs, music lessons, and trips add up.

Resources / equipment

£100–500/year

Science equipment, art supplies, educational software. Libraries and resource-sharing reduce costs.

Exams & Qualifications

Home-educated children have no automatic right to sit exams at their local school. Here's how it works.

GCSEs as a private candidate

Find an exam centre that accepts private candidates — search "private candidate exam centre" plus your area. Not all schools accept external candidates.

Costs: £30–80 per subject. Some centres charge an additional admin/invigilation fee.

Practical subjects are harder. Science GCSEs require supervised practicals. Art requires coursework submission. Check with the exam board for requirements.

IGCSEs

International GCSEs (offered by CIE and Pearson Edexcel) are popular with home educators because many have no coursework component.

Accepted by all UK universities. Some subjects are exam-only, making them easier to arrange as a private candidate.

Costs are similar to GCSEs. Registration is through the same exam centres.

A-levels and beyond

Same process as GCSEs — register as a private candidate. A-level practical endorsements in science must be completed at an approved centre.

Many home-educated students join a sixth form college at 16 for A-levels, combining years of home ed with formal post-16 provision.

Alternative routes: Open University courses (available from age 16), distance learning providers, or Access to HE diplomas (for mature students).

No-exam routes

Not every child needs formal qualifications. Apprenticeships (from Level 2) accept portfolios and interviews. Some employers value skills over certificates.

For university: some institutions accept home-educated applicants based on portfolio, interview, and personal statement — particularly for creative and vocational courses.

The Open University has no formal entry requirements for most courses.

SEND & Home Education

Many families home educate because the school system isn't meeting their child's needs. Your rights don't disappear.

EHCPs continue

If your child has an EHCP (England), the LA must maintain it and arrange the provision named in it. Annual reviews still happen. You can request that the EHCP names "home education" as the setting.

You can request an EHCP assessment

Home-educated children can be assessed for an EHCP. The LA cannot refuse solely because the child is home educated. The 20-week assessment timeline still applies.

Wales: IDPs continue

Under the ALN Act 2018, Individual Development Plans continue for home-educated children. The LA retains its duties.

Scotland: CSPs continue

Co-ordinated Support Plans remain active. The LA must provide additional support even if the child is not in school.

NI: Statements continue

The Education Authority retains duties for children with Statements of SEN.

Practical reality

Some LAs try to resist providing SEND support for home-educated children. Know your rights. IPSEA, SOS!SEN, and the National Autistic Society can provide free advice and support.

Common Questions

Sources

This guide draws on the Education Act 1996, Education (Scotland) Act 1980, Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986, DfE Elective Home Education guidance (2019), Welsh Government home education guidance, Education Otherwise, and HSLDA UK research. This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For complex cases, consider seeking advice from IPSEA, Coram Children’s Legal Centre, your local SENDIASS, or a solicitor. Last reviewed April 2026.

Was this guide helpful?

Related guides

SEND Rights & Processes

EHCPs, IDPs, and your rights across all 4 nations

Post-16 Choices

A-levels, BTECs, and apprenticeships for home-educated teens

Key Stage Transitions

Returning to school at key transition points

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Your rights if exclusion led to home education

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Search schools by postcode, compare inspection ratings, and find the right fit for your child.

Search schools Browse all guides

Parent Guide

Home Education

Your legal right, your choice of method, your pace. This guide covers the law in all four nations, the main approaches, costs, exams, and how to handle the local authority.

25–30 min readAll UK nationsUpdated April 2026

Key facts

Home education is legal in all four UK nations — no permission or registration is required in England, Wales, or NI.
You do not need any teaching qualifications. There is no requirement to follow the National Curriculum.
The local authority has no automatic right to enter your home or see your child — you can respond to enquiries in writing.
GCSE exams cost £30–£80 per subject as a private candidate; you must find a centre that accepts external entries.
Children with EHCPs retain full LA support — annual reviews and provision continue even when home-educated.

86,200+

Home-educated children in England (2024/25)

Qualifications needed to home educate

Different legal frameworks (one per nation)

£0

Minimum cost (free resources exist)

Legislation is changing

Your Legal Rights

Home education is legal in all four UK nations, but the rules differ. Understanding your rights is essential.

England

Legal basis: Section 7 of the Education Act 1996. Parents must ensure children receive "efficient full-time education suitable to age, ability, aptitude, and any SEN".

Curriculum: No requirement to follow the National Curriculum. Parents have complete freedom over content, method, and timing.

Monitoring: No automatic right of entry to your home. The LA can issue a School Attendance Order (SAO) if it believes education is not suitable — you can challenge this in court.

Exams: No automatic right to sit GCSEs. You must find an exam centre willing to accept private candidates. Costs: £30–80 per subject.

SEND: LA retains duty to maintain EHCPs. Annual reviews still apply. LA must arrange provision named in the EHCP even if the child is home-educated.

Wales

Legal basis: Same Education Act 1996 (Section 7) applies in Wales. Similar rights to England.

Notification: No legal requirement to register. If withdrawing from school, the school notifies the LA. The Welsh Government has proposed a mandatory register (not yet law as of April 2026).

Curriculum: No requirement to follow the Curriculum for Wales. Freedom over content and approach.

Monitoring: The LA may make enquiries. Similar to England — no automatic right of entry. The Welsh Government has consulted on strengthening LA powers but no legislation yet.

Exams: Same as England. Private candidate entry at exam centres. Some Welsh-medium exams available through WJEC.

SEND: LA retains duties under the ALN Act 2018. Individual Development Plans (IDPs) continue for home-educated children.

Scotland

Legal basis: Section 30 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980. Parents must provide "efficient education" suitable to the child's age, ability, and aptitude.

Curriculum: No requirement to follow Curriculum for Excellence. Complete freedom.

Monitoring: The LA may contact you annually to discuss education provision. No right of entry to the home. The approach is generally more collaborative.

Exams: SQA exams can be sat as an external candidate at a presenting centre. Costs vary by centre and subject.

SEND: LA retains duties under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004. Co-ordinated Support Plans (CSPs) continue.

Northern Ireland

Legal basis: Article 45 of the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986. Parents must cause children to receive "efficient full-time education suitable to age, ability, and aptitude".

Notification: If withdrawing from school, you should notify the school. The Education Authority (EA) may make enquiries.

Curriculum: No requirement to follow the NI Curriculum. Freedom over content and methods.

Monitoring: The EA may visit annually. In practice, monitoring is light-touch. No legal right of entry.

Exams: GCSEs available through CCEA and other exam boards. Private candidate registration through exam centres.

SEND: EA retains duties for children with Statements of SEN. Annual reviews continue.

Teaching Approaches

There is no "right" method. Most families use an eclectic mix and evolve their approach over time.

Structured / school-at-home

Follows a timetable and curriculum materials. Textbooks, workbooks, and formal lessons. Close to a school experience but at home.

Best for

Families wanting clear structure, children preparing for GCSEs, parents who feel more confident with a "syllabus" to follow.

Watch out for

Can replicate school problems (boredom, resistance) if too rigid. Flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of home ed — use it.

Charlotte Mason

Short lessons (15–20 mins for younger children), "living books" (not textbooks), nature study, narration, copywork, and habit training.

Best for

Literature-loving families, younger children, parents who value character education alongside academics.

Watch out for

May not provide enough exam preparation for GCSEs without supplementation. Less structured than some families need.

Classical education

Based on the Trivium: Grammar (facts, ages 5–11), Logic (reasoning, ages 11–14), Rhetoric (expression, ages 14–18). Heavy on history, Latin, and logic.

Best for

Academically ambitious families, children who enjoy deep study, families interested in a historically-grounded approach.

Watch out for

Can be very intensive. Latin/logic resources are harder to find in the UK than the US. Not every child thrives on this level of academic focus.

Unschooling / autonomous education

Child-led learning. No set curriculum or timetable. Children follow their interests and learn through play, exploration, and life experience.

Best for

Self-motivated children, families who trust children's natural curiosity, creative and unconventional learners.

Watch out for

Can be hard to evidence for LA enquiries. Some children need more structure than they'd choose. GCSEs require deliberate preparation.

Eclectic / mixed

The most common approach. Combines elements from multiple methods. Might use a maths curriculum but unschool for science, or follow Charlotte Mason for English but use textbooks for maths.

Best for

Most families. The flexibility to adapt to each child's needs and each subject's demands.

Watch out for

Can feel directionless without some planning. Having a rough termly plan helps even if you deviate from it regularly.

Online school / distance learning

Full-time online provision with live or recorded lessons, assignments, and tutors. Providers include InterHigh, Wolsey Hall, Oxford Home Schooling, and others.

Best for

Families wanting professional teaching, children preparing for GCSEs/A-levels, working parents who need structured hours.

Watch out for

Costs: £2,000–6,000+/year. Screen time concerns. Less flexibility than self-directed home ed. Quality varies enormously — research providers carefully.

Explore all your school type options

Answer 7 questions to compare state, grammar, faith, independent, specialist, and home education.

Costs Breakdown

Home education can cost £0 or £10,000+/year. It depends entirely on your approach.

Item	Typical cost	Notes
Curriculum materials / textbooks	£0–500/year	Free resources available (Khan Academy, BBC Bitesize, library books). Full curriculum packages cost more.
Online school	£2,000–6,000+/year	Full-time online provision with tutors. Part-time options available at lower cost.
GCSE exam entries	£30–80 per subject	Private candidate fees. You'll also need to find a centre — some charge admin fees on top.
Tutors	£25–60/hour	Common for GCSE subjects. Some families share tutors to reduce cost. Online tutoring is often cheaper.
Activities / groups	£0–200/month	Home ed groups are often free or low-cost. Sports clubs, music lessons, and trips add up.
Resources / equipment	£100–500/year	Science equipment, art supplies, educational software. Libraries and resource-sharing reduce costs.

Curriculum materials / textbooks

£0–500/year

Free resources available (Khan Academy, BBC Bitesize, library books). Full curriculum packages cost more.

Online school

£2,000–6,000+/year

Full-time online provision with tutors. Part-time options available at lower cost.

GCSE exam entries

£30–80 per subject

Private candidate fees. You'll also need to find a centre — some charge admin fees on top.

Tutors

£25–60/hour

Common for GCSE subjects. Some families share tutors to reduce cost. Online tutoring is often cheaper.

Activities / groups

£0–200/month

Home ed groups are often free or low-cost. Sports clubs, music lessons, and trips add up.

Resources / equipment

£100–500/year

Science equipment, art supplies, educational software. Libraries and resource-sharing reduce costs.

Exams & Qualifications

Home-educated children have no automatic right to sit exams at their local school. Here's how it works.

GCSEs as a private candidate

Find an exam centre that accepts private candidates — search "private candidate exam centre" plus your area. Not all schools accept external candidates.

Costs: £30–80 per subject. Some centres charge an additional admin/invigilation fee.

Practical subjects are harder. Science GCSEs require supervised practicals. Art requires coursework submission. Check with the exam board for requirements.

IGCSEs

International GCSEs (offered by CIE and Pearson Edexcel) are popular with home educators because many have no coursework component.

Accepted by all UK universities. Some subjects are exam-only, making them easier to arrange as a private candidate.

Costs are similar to GCSEs. Registration is through the same exam centres.

A-levels and beyond

Same process as GCSEs — register as a private candidate. A-level practical endorsements in science must be completed at an approved centre.

Many home-educated students join a sixth form college at 16 for A-levels, combining years of home ed with formal post-16 provision.

Alternative routes: Open University courses (available from age 16), distance learning providers, or Access to HE diplomas (for mature students).

No-exam routes

Not every child needs formal qualifications. Apprenticeships (from Level 2) accept portfolios and interviews. Some employers value skills over certificates.

For university: some institutions accept home-educated applicants based on portfolio, interview, and personal statement — particularly for creative and vocational courses.

The Open University has no formal entry requirements for most courses.

SEND & Home Education

Many families home educate because the school system isn't meeting their child's needs. Your rights don't disappear.

EHCPs continue

If your child has an EHCP (England), the LA must maintain it and arrange the provision named in it. Annual reviews still happen. You can request that the EHCP names "home education" as the setting.

You can request an EHCP assessment

Home-educated children can be assessed for an EHCP. The LA cannot refuse solely because the child is home educated. The 20-week assessment timeline still applies.

Wales: IDPs continue

Under the ALN Act 2018, Individual Development Plans continue for home-educated children. The LA retains its duties.

Scotland: CSPs continue

Co-ordinated Support Plans remain active. The LA must provide additional support even if the child is not in school.

NI: Statements continue

The Education Authority retains duties for children with Statements of SEN.

Practical reality

Some LAs try to resist providing SEND support for home-educated children. Know your rights. IPSEA, SOS!SEN, and the National Autistic Society can provide free advice and support.

Common Questions

Sources

Was this guide helpful?

Related guides

SEND Rights & Processes

EHCPs, IDPs, and your rights across all 4 nations

Post-16 Choices

A-levels, BTECs, and apprenticeships for home-educated teens

Key Stage Transitions

Returning to school at key transition points

School Exclusions

Your rights if exclusion led to home education

Considering going back to school?

Search schools by postcode, compare inspection ratings, and find the right fit for your child.

Search schools Browse all guides