Taking the leap into home education in the UK is more straightforward than many parents realise. By simply sending a formal deregistration letter to your child’s headteacher, you can bypass the traditional classroom and begin a bespoke learning journey immediately. There is no requirement for local authority permission or teaching qualifications; instead, you gain the "complete freedom" to shape an education that actually fits your child’s needs.
While this autonomy is a primary draw, ensuring your child remains on track for university or a career requires a clear strategy. Rather than relying on fragmented resources, many families opt for a structured approach to bridge the gap between home flexibility and academic rigor. Typical annual costs range from £500 to £3,000, which often includes investment in comprehensive home education programmes designed to handle the heavy lifting of GCSE and A-Level preparation.
If you’re ready to trade classroom friction for a more personalised pace, this guide breaks down the legalities, the costs, and how to maintain high academic standards while learning from home.
Key Takeaways: 5 Things You'll Learn
- The exact legal process to start homeschooling: Step-by-step guidance on deregistering your child from school, what paperwork is required in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and what to expect from local authority contact—including your rights to decline home visits.
- What you don't need (and what freedom you have): Confirmation that you don't need teaching qualifications, permission from anyone, or to follow the National Curriculum—plus the flexibility to educate according to your child's learning style, interests, and pace with no mandated hours or subjects.
- How to plan your child's education: Practical guidance on choosing between structured curricula, child-led learning, or eclectic approaches, plus a simple first-year planning framework covering literacy, numeracy, sciences, humanities, and life skills.
- Exam pathways and qualifications: How to register your homeschooled child for GCSEs, IGCSEs, and A-Levels as a private candidate, including registration deadlines, typical costs (£50–£150 per subject plus centre fees), and why GCSEs aren't compulsory but often beneficial.
- Costs, resources, and support networks: A realistic breakdown of homeschooling costs (£500–£3,000 annually), the best free and paid UK resources, and how to connect with the community of over 100,000 home-educating families through organisations like Education Otherwise and local homeschool groups.
Is It Legal to Homeschool in the UK?
In the UK, home education is a well-established legal right. Under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, parents are responsible for ensuring their child receives an "efficient, full-time education," but there is no legal requirement for that education to take place in a school.
This flexible framework allows you to bypass the National Curriculum and tailor learning to your child’s specific ability and aptitude. You do not need government permission to start, and if your child has never been enrolled in school, you aren't even required to register. This autonomy has led to a significant shift in the UK environment; the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) estimates that over 100,000 children are now educated at home—a number that has doubled since 2017 as more families move away from the friction of traditional schooling.
What Exact Steps Do I Need to Take to Start Homeschooling My Child Legally in the UK?
If you're asking "how to get homeschooled in the UK," the answer involves a straightforward process. Here are the exact steps to homeschool in the UK legally:
Step 1: Make Your Decision
Before taking any formal steps, invest time in thorough research about home education. Discuss the prospect with your child (consider their age and maturity), your partner, and any other family members who'll be affected. Consider honestly if you have the capacity, resources, and long-term commitment required.
Step 2: Deregister from School (if applicable)
If your child currently attends school, write a letter addressed to the headteacher—not the local authority. This letter requests that your child be removed from the school roll. This is notification only; you're not asking for permission. The school must remove your child within 10 school days of receipt.
This is how to take child out of school to homeschool in England, Wales, Scotland (with LA consent for state schools), and Northern Ireland. Keep a copy of your letter for your records and send it by recorded delivery or email with a read receipt. The school will inform the local authority of the deregistration—you don't need to contact them separately in England.
Step 3: Prepare for Local Authority Contact
After deregistration, your local authority may make informal enquiries about your child's education. In England, there's no legal requirement to respond to these enquiries, meet with LA officers, or allow home visits—though some families find that a positive relationship with their LA brings occasional benefits.
If you choose to engage, prepare a brief outline of your educational approach. Understanding your rights before any LA interaction helps you maintain appropriate boundaries while you cooperate where you choose to do so.
Step 4: Plan Your Approach
Choose an educational philosophy that aligns with your values and your child's needs. Options range widely—highly structured curriculum packages, completely child-led unschooling, or anything between. Gather resources and curriculum materials, then establish a flexible routine that provides structure without rigidity.
If you're unsure which approach suits your family best, contact learndirect's education advisors for personalised guidance on curriculum selection and home education planning.
Step 5: Connect with Community
Join local and national homeschool groups to access support networks and shared resources. The home education community is remarkably welcoming. Groups offer advice, materials, and encouragement through meetups, co-op classes, field trips, and social events.
Quick-Start Checklist for Homeschooling UK
☐ Confirm decision with family
☐ Write deregistration letter to headteacher
☐ Receive confirmation of removal from school roll
☐ Research educational approaches and philosophies
☐ Gather initial curriculum resources
☐ Join local homeschool groups
☐ Establish flexible learning routine
☐ Register with exam centres for future qualifications (when needed)
How Do I Deregister My Child from a UK School and Begin Home Education Without Breaking Any Rules?
The deregistration process is refreshingly straightforward with clear legal protections for families who choose home education. Understanding how to get homeschooled in the UK legally ensures you follow the correct procedure.
Compose a formal letter addressed to the headteacher. State your intention to withdraw your child to provide home education. You're not required to provide detailed reasons or explain your educational plans. Include your child's full name, date of birth, and current year group. Request written confirmation when they've been removed from the register.
Send your letter by recorded delivery or email with read receipt to ensure proof of delivery. Once the school receives it, they must remove your child from their roll within 10 school days. No exit meeting is required, though some schools may request one.
Sample Deregistration Letter Template
Dear [Headteacher's Name],
I am writing to inform you that I am withdrawing my child, [Child's Full Name, Date of Birth], from [School Name] with immediate effect in order to provide home education.
Please remove [his/her/their] name from the school register and confirm in writing when this has been completed.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Date]
What Paperwork and Notifications Are Required to Get My Child Homeschooled in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland?
Requirements vary slightly depending on which UK nation you live in:
England: If your child currently attends school, you need only write that single letter to the headteacher. There's no requirement to notify the local authority yourself—the school handles this. No registration system exists, no application forms to complete, and no approval process. The LA may contact you but you're not legally compelled to respond or accept home visits.
Wales: Similar to England—a letter to the headteacher suffices if your child attends school. The LA may contact your family, but there's no legal requirement to meet with them. Monitor proposed legislation that may introduce compulsory registration in future.
Scotland: If your child attends a state school, you must formally seek consent from the local authority. In practice, this consent is usually granted as a formality. If your child attends an independent school or has never been enrolled, no consent is required.
Northern Ireland: Write to your child's school if enrolled and notify the Education Authority of your intention to home educate. The EA may request information about your educational provision, but no formal approval is required.
Comparison Table: Homeschooling Process by UK Nation
| Requirement | England | Wales | Scotland |
Northern Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Letter to school |
Yes (if enrolled) |
Yes (if enrolled) |
Yes (if state school) |
Yes (if enrolled) |
|
LA/EA notification |
No (LA informed by school) |
No |
Consent for state school pupils |
Yes |
|
Registration required |
No |
No (currently) |
No | No |
|
Curriculum approval |
No | No | No | No |
|
Home visits compulsory |
No | No | No | No |
Do I Need to Follow the National Curriculum?
Absolutely not. One of home education's greatest freedoms is complete autonomy over what, how, and when you teach.
The only legal requirement is that education be "suitable to age, ability, and aptitude"—a deliberately flexible definition. Many home educators use the National Curriculum as a loose guide, but alternative educational approaches are equally valid: Montessori methods that emphasise hands-on learning, Steiner education with its focus on developmental stages, Charlotte Mason's living books approach, or completely child-led unschooling.
Interest-led learning is perfectly acceptable legally. If your child becomes fascinated by dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, or space exploration, you can build weeks or months of learning around these interests. There's no requirement to follow school timetables, observe school terms, or maintain school hours. This flexibility represents home education's primary advantage—genuinely personalised learning that responds to your child's unique needs, interests, and pace.
Can I Homeschool Without Being a Teacher?
Yes, emphatically. No teaching qualifications, degrees, or certifications are required to home educate your own children.
Many successful homeschooling parents have no teaching background whatsoever. Abundant resources, curricula, and online courses support parents regardless of educational background. You don't need to be an expert in every subject. You facilitate learning, encourage curiosity, provide resources, and support your child's educational journey.
For subjects where you lack confidence, several options exist: structured curriculum packages that guide both parent and child through material; online courses where professional teachers deliver lessons; tutorial videos on platforms like Khan Academy or BBC Bitesize; or hired tutors for specific subjects when budget allows.
Your role isn't to lecture. It's to facilitate learning. These are things parents naturally do, regardless of formal qualifications.
Different homeschooling approaches suit different parent skill sets. If you're highly organised and enjoy structure, comprehensive curriculum packages work beautifully. If you're creative and spontaneous, child-led learning might suit you better. If you're comfortable with research and curation, an eclectic approach allows you to build customised education.
How Can I Find Accredited UK Online Homeschooling Programmes That Cover the National Curriculum?
For families who want structured support, numerous online schools and curriculum providers offer comprehensive programmes aligned with UK educational standards.
Look for providers that offer Ofqual-regulated qualifications for recognised credentials. Programmes exist for all age ranges—primary through GCSE and A-Level study. learndirect's homeschooling programmes provide structured curriculum with tutor support, covering key subjects with flexible online delivery. Consider tutor support levels, flexibility in pacing, total costs including exam fees, and whether qualifications are Ofqual-regulated.
Not sure which online programme is right for your child? Speak with learndirect's team to discuss your specific needs and receive tailored recommendations.
Popular options include Oxford Home Learning for structured courses with tutor support, InterHigh for live lessons with qualified teachers, and Wolsey Hall Oxford for traditional correspondence enhanced by online resources. learndirect offers both basic and enhanced homeschooling packages tailored to different family needs and budgets.
Many families combine online programmes with independent learning—structured courses for core subjects, and libraries, documentaries, and real-world experiences for other areas.
How Do I Choose the Best UK Home Education Curriculum for My Child's Age and Learning Style?
Understanding how your child learns best helps narrow options considerably.
Visual learners thrive with video-based courses, illustrated textbooks, and graphically presented information. Auditory learners excel with audiobooks, podcasts, and discussion-based learning. Kinaesthetic learners need hands-on projects, practical experiments, and physical engagement with material.
By Educational Philosophy:
Structured approaches use complete curriculum packages that provide comprehensive roadmaps. CGP workbooks, Oxford Home Learning courses, and similar programmes remove planning burden from parents. learndirect's structured homeschooling courses work well for parents who value clear progression or lack confidence in curriculum creation.
Classical education focuses on rigorous academic training through grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages. Charlotte Mason's approach, popular in the UK, emphasises living books, nature study, short focused lessons, and narration. These philosophies create well-rounded, articulate learners but require significant parental involvement.
Child-led learning (unschooling) places the child's interests and curiosity at the centre. Rather than predetermined curricula, learning emerges from daily life, questions, and passions. This approach requires parents comfortable with non-linear learning.
Eclectic approaches mix-and-match elements. Many families use structured curricula for core subjects while taking child-led approaches to sciences, humanities, and creative subjects.
By Age:
Early years (ages 4-7) benefit from play-based, exploratory learning that builds curiosity and foundational skills without excessive formal instruction. Primary years (ages 7-11) establish foundational literacy and numeracy while broadly exploring the world. Secondary years (ages 11-14) allow for deeper exploration of subjects and increasing independence. GCSE years (ages 14-16) require more structured preparation if your child will take examinations—learndirect's enhanced programme includes comprehensive GCSE preparation with tutor support.
How Do I Create a Simple UK-Compliant Home Education Plan for My Child's First Year?
No formal education plan is legally required, but planning helps structure your approach effectively.
Identify your child's interests, strengths, and areas that need development. Set loose goals rather than rigid targets—"develop confident mental arithmetic" rather than "complete 50 pages of workbook." Cover core areas naturally: literacy through reading and writing, numeracy through practical applications and progressive curriculum, sciences through experiments and curiosity-led exploration.
Need help creating a structured home education plan? Contact learndirect for expert guidance on curriculum planning and educational goal setting.
Build in substantial flexibility for child-led tangents. When your child becomes fascinated by something unexpected, follow that interest. Some of the richest learning happens when you abandon your plan to explore wherever curiosity leads.
Document progress informally if it helps you feel confident. Many families keep simple learning journals that note activities, trips, books read, and skills developing—not as evidence for authorities but as pleasant family records.
Review and adapt your plan regularly. Every few months, reflect on what's working and what isn't. Home education's beauty lies in this responsiveness—if something isn't effective, change it immediately.
Many families experience a "deschooling" period when first beginning home education—an adjustment time when children decompress from school experiences and rediscover natural curiosity. Expect this transition to take roughly one month for every year your child attended school.
Simple First-Year Planning Framework
| Area | Approach | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Literacy |
Daily reading, creative writing |
Library books, workbooks, online courses |
| Numeracy |
Practical maths, progressive curriculum |
CGP books, Khan Academy, real applications |
| Science |
Experiments, nature study |
BBC Bitesize, science kits, documentaries |
| Humanities |
History projects, geography exploration |
Museums, historical fiction, map activities |
| Creative |
Art, music, drama, crafts |
Local classes, YouTube, home projects |
| Physical |
Sports, outdoor play, dance |
Clubs, family activities, nature walks |
|
Life Skills |
Cooking, budgeting, practical tasks |
Daily household involvement |
What Are the UK Rules on Exams Like GCSEs for Homeschooled Children and How Do I Register Them?
Sitting exams as a home-educated student is a straightforward process when you know the steps. In the UK, you register as a private candidate to sit GCSEs, IGCSEs, or A-Levels at an approved centre.
How to Register
- Find a Centre: Use the JCQ centre finder to locate local schools or private exam centres that accept external candidates.
- Deadlines: Aim to secure your place by November for summer exams to avoid late fees. Official registration usually opens in late autumn.
- Fees: Costs typically range from £100 to £350 per subject, covering both the exam board entry fee and the centre's administration costs.
Choosing the Right Path
Many families prefer IGCSEs because they are often assessed 100% by final exams, removing the logistical headache of managing school-based coursework. If you are taking sciences, look for centres that offer practical endorsement sessions, or opt for versions of the qualification that don't require them.
Explore learndirect's GCSE preparation courses designed specifically for home-educated students.
Do Homeschooled Kids Have to Do GCSEs?
No—GCSEs are not compulsory for homeschooled children. Parents can choose alternative qualifications, pursue no formal qualifications at all, or delay qualifications until later ages.
However, GCSEs often provide valuable recognised credentials for further education and employment. Most university entry requirements specify minimum GCSEs in English and mathematics at grade 4 or above (equivalent to the old C grade). Many employers also expect these basic qualifications.
Alternative pathways exist: Functional Skills qualifications in English and maths, which some universities and employers accept in place of GCSEs; Open University modules, which can demonstrate academic capability without traditional school qualifications; BTECs and other vocational qualifications for career-focused pathways; or apprenticeships that provide training and qualifications simultaneously.
Some home-educated young people delay formal qualifications and take GCSEs or equivalent exams at 17 or 18 rather than at 16. Others proceed directly to A-Levels or college courses and demonstrate their capability through entry assessments rather than prior qualifications.
The decision depends on your child's goals and intended pathway. For those planning university, GCSEs (or equivalent qualifications) in English and mathematics are practically essential, with additional GCSEs that strengthen applications. For those pursuing apprenticeships, creative careers, or entrepreneurship, alternative routes may serve better.
Many homeschoolers choose a middle path: taking GCSEs in English and mathematics for foundational credentials while exploring other subjects without examination pressure, then adding further qualifications as career pathways crystallise. learndirect offers flexible A-Level courses for students continuing their education beyond GCSEs.
Do Homeschooled Kids Do Better in the UK?
Research into Elective Home Education (EHE) suggests that children often achieve exceptional academic and social outcomes. While the UK does not centrally track every student's grades, the Department for Education (DfE) has noted a significant rise in families choosing this path, often cited as a move toward more personalised, effective learning.
Why Home Education Succeeds
The success of UK homeschoolers is often attributed to several key environmental factors:
- Individualised Attention: Parents can target teaching to a child’s specific level, allowing for rapid progress in areas of strength and extra support where needed.
- Academic Flexibility: Without the constraints of a rigid school timetable, students can dive deeper into subjects, fostering a level of engagement that is difficult to replicate in a classroom.
- Social Maturity: Far from being isolated, UK homeschoolers often develop strong social skills through diverse, multi-age community interactions, which government frameworks acknowledge as a valid path to social development.
University and Career Outcomes
The results are evident in the transition to adulthood. Many home-educated students in the UK secure places at top-tier institutions, including the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, which recognise the independent research skills these students possess. Others successfully bypass traditional routes entirely, moving straight into high-level apprenticeships or entrepreneurship.
Ensuring Positive Results
Success is rarely accidental; it depends heavily on access to the right infrastructure. Official guidance suggests that the most successful outcomes are achieved when families have:
- Clear Educational Goals: A structured approach to learning.
- High-Quality Resources: Using accredited home education courses to ensure all GCSE and A-Level specifications are met.
- Community Support: Staying connected with local EHE networks.
By combining the freedom of home learning with a structured, professional curriculum, UK students can achieve the same—or better—results than their peers in traditional schooling.
What Are the Costs Involved in Homeschooling in the UK and How Can I Keep Them Affordable?
Home education involves various costs, but the total can range considerably depending on your choices and priorities.
Typical Cost Breakdown
Curriculum and resources represent the largest variable expense—£200 annually for families who use primarily free resources with selective purchases, or £1,500+ for comprehensive structured curriculum packages or online school programmes. Most families spend somewhere in the middle and mix free resources with targeted purchases. learndirect's homeschooling packages offer competitive pricing with comprehensive curriculum coverage and tutor support included.
Examination fees become relevant during GCSE and A-Level years. Each subject costs approximately £50-£150 for exam board entry, plus exam centre fees of £50-£200 per subject. Students taking five GCSEs might therefore spend £500-£1,750 on examinations.
Activities and clubs—sports teams, music lessons, art classes, forest schools, home education group activities—add variable costs anywhere between nothing for free activities and £500+ annually for multiple paid commitments.
Tutoring is entirely optional but some families hire tutors for specific subjects, particularly during GCSE preparation. Private tutors typically charge £20-£50 per hour. Families who use substantial tutoring might spend £1,500+ annually.
Total annual costs typically range between £500-£3,000 for most families, with budget-conscious families spending considerably less and families who choose premium resources spending more.
Keeping Costs Affordable
Numerous strategies minimise home education expenses without compromising quality:
- Maximise free resources. Public libraries provide unlimited books, many now offer audiobooks, ebooks, and magazine subscriptions through digital services. Khan Academy offers completely free, comprehensive maths and science courses covering primary through A-Level content. BBC Bitesize provides free curriculum-aligned resources for all ages and subjects. OpenLearn (from the Open University) offers free courses for older students. YouTube hosts countless educational channels teaching everything—history, computer programming, art techniques.
- Buy second-hand curriculum materials. Facebook groups dedicated to home education buying and selling, eBay, and local homeschool groups regularly offer gently used workbooks, textbooks, and resources at a fraction of original prices.
- Access free educational visits. Many UK museums, galleries, and heritage sites offer free entry. Those that charge admission often provide discounted rates for families or free entry during off-peak periods.
- Share resources within homeschool communities. Local home education groups often share curriculum materials, with families who pass on resources as children outgrow them. Some groups establish lending libraries for members.
- Teach most subjects yourself; tutor strategically. Rather than hire tutors for multiple subjects, focus tutoring budget on areas where you lack confidence or expertise—perhaps A-Level mathematics or sciences that require specialist knowledge.
- Consider IGCSEs over GCSEs. IGCSEs often involve lower exam fees and simpler logistics than coursework-heavy GCSEs, which potentially reduces costs.
- Prioritise quality over quantity. Children don't need scores of workbooks and elaborate resources. A few carefully chosen, high-quality materials combined with library books, free online resources, and real-world experiences provide comprehensive education affordably.
Have questions about managing homeschooling costs or choosing cost-effective curriculum options? Contact learndirect's education team for budget-friendly recommendations tailored to your family.
Cost Comparison Table
|
Cost Category |
Budget Approach |
Mid-Range |
Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Curriculum/resources |
£100-£300 |
£500-£1,000 |
£1,500-£3,000 |
|
Exam fees (5 GCSEs) |
£250-£500 |
£500-£750 |
£750-£1,250 |
|
Activities/clubs |
£0-£200 |
£300-£600 |
£1,000+ |
| Tutoring |
£0 |
£300-£600 |
£1,500+ |
|
Annual Total |
£350-£1,000 |
£1,600-£2,950 |
£4,750-£6,750+ |
Which UK Homeschooling Organisations and Resources Can Help Me Get Started Quickly and Confidently?
The UK home education community offers abundant support:
National organisations: Education Otherwise stands as the UK's largest home education charity, founded in 1977. They provide legal information, practical guidance, support networks, and advocacy for home-educating families. Home Education UK (HE-UK) offers comprehensive information about home education law, practice, and resources. Schoolhouse serves Scottish home educators specifically. Home Education Northern Ireland (HENI) provides equivalent support for Northern Irish families.
Free online resources: BBC Bitesize provides free, curriculum-aligned educational content covering all subjects—early years through GCSE and beyond. Khan Academy offers comprehensive free courses in mathematics, sciences, computing, economics, and more. Oak National Academy continues to provide free, high-quality lesson resources across all subjects and ages. OpenLearn from the Open University offers free courses for older students and adults.
Curriculum providers: CGP Books produces affordable, comprehensive workbooks covering all subjects—primary through A-Level, with clear explanations, practice questions, and answers. Oxford Home Learning provides structured online courses across primary and secondary levels with tutor support. InterHigh operates as an online school with live lessons and qualified teachers. Wolsey Hall Oxford represents one of the UK's oldest distance learning institutions. learndirect specialises in homeschooling programmes with both basic and enhanced options, offering flexibility and expert support tailored to UK home educators.
Exam support: Contact AQA, Edexcel (Pearson), OCR, or WJEC directly for specification documents, past papers, and examiner reports—all free to download from their websites. Locate private exam centres through online searches or by asking in home education communities.
Local support: Facebook groups, WhatsApp networks, and email lists organise local homeschool groups throughout the UK. Search for "[your area] home education group" to find local communities that offer meetups, co-op classes, activity days, and invaluable peer support.
Essential UK Homeschooling Resources
|
Resource Type |
Recommended Options |
|---|---|
|
National support |
Education Otherwise, Home Education UK |
|
Free curriculum |
BBC Bitesize, Khan Academy, Oak National |
|
Paid curriculum |
learndirect homeschooling, CGP, Oxford Home Learning |
| Exams |
AQA, Edexcel (as private candidate) |
| Community |
Local Facebook groups, HE meetups |
What Support Is Available from UK Local Authorities for Families Who Are New to Homeschooling?
Local authority support varies dramatically across the UK. Some progressive LAs provide information packs for new home educators, offer contacts for dedicated EHE (elective home education) advisors, and maintain small resource libraries that home-educating families can access. A few even facilitate connections between local families or share information about exam centres and educational opportunities.
However, most LAs offer minimal active support. Their statutory role focuses on monitoring—ensuring suitable education is provided—rather than supporting families in that provision. In practice, many LAs see home education through a safeguarding lens rather than an educational choice and approach families with suspicion rather than helpfulness.
Some LAs offer flexi-schooling arrangements where children attend school part-time while home educated for the remainder. This can provide a middle ground for families who want some school structure alongside home education benefits, though schools must agree to these arrangements and many decline.
Don't rely on your LA as your primary support source. Independent home education organisations, online communities, and local homeschool groups typically provide far more useful, experienced, and sympathetic guidance than official LA channels.
Some families build positive working relationships with understanding LA officers and find that cooperative engagement brings occasional benefits. Others prefer minimal contact, which remains their legal right in England.
Establishing a Personalised Path to Academic Success
The process of transitioning to elective home education in the UK is defined by a clear legal framework that prioritises parental choice. By submitting a formal deregistration letter to your child’s headteacher, you move away from the rigid constraints of a standardised school schedule and gain the authority to implement a curriculum that aligns with your child’s specific learning pace. As detailed in the official DfE guidance for local authorities, the responsibility for providing a "suitable" education rests with the parent, offering the flexibility to move beyond traditional classroom methods.
This shift often brings immediate benefits to a child’s wellbeing. With 72% of families identifying mental health or dissatisfaction with the school environment as a primary motivator, home learning provides a stable, focused atmosphere where students can regain their confidence.
Secure Future Qualifications with Expert Support
While the legal freedom of home education is extensive, the goal for most UK families remains the attainment of recognised qualifications. Navigating the requirements of various exam boards can be complex, but you don't have to manage the academic heavy lifting alone.
By joining the 111,000 families currently homeschooling in the UK, you are choosing an educational model that values individual progress over institutional targets. learndirect’s homeschooling programmes bridge the gap between home flexibility and academic rigour, offering a 7-day free trial to explore their accredited GCSE and A-Level pathways. With structured tutor support and curriculum mapped to national standards, you can ensure your child is fully prepared for their next steps, whether that leads to a top-tier university or a professional apprenticeship.
Get started with learndirect's homeschooling courses today or contact us for personalised advice about the best programme for your family's needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to homeschool in the UK?
Yes, home education is completely legal throughout the UK under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996.
How do I start homeschooling my child in the UK?
Write a letter to your child's headteacher to deregister from school, then begin educating at home immediately.
Do I need to inform the local authority?
In England, there's no legal requirement to inform the local authority yourself; the school will notify them upon deregistration.
Do I need to follow the National Curriculum?
No, there's no legal requirement to follow the National Curriculum when homeschooling in the UK.
Can I homeschool without being a teacher?
Yes, no teaching qualifications are required to home educate your own children.
What are the requirements for homeschooling in the UK?
You must provide "efficient full-time education suitable to age, ability, and aptitude"—no specific curriculum or hours are mandated.
How many hours a day should I homeschool in the UK?
There's no legal requirement, but most homeschoolers engage in 2-4 hours of formal learning daily.
Do homeschooled kids have to do GCSEs?
No, GCSEs aren't compulsory, but many homeschoolers choose them for recognised credentials needed for further education and employment.
Are there any costs or funding for homeschooling?
No government funding is available; parents bear all costs, typically ranging between £500-£3,000 annually.
What are the steps to deregister from school?
Write a letter to the headteacher that states your intention to home educate, send it with proof of delivery, and await confirmation of removal from the roll within 10 school days.
Do homeschooled kids do better in the UK?
Research suggests homeschooled children often achieve higher academic scores and university graduation rates than traditionally schooled peers.
What support is available for home educators?
Extensive support exists through national organisations like Education Otherwise and Home Education UK, local homeschool groups, online communities, and curriculum providers
