Getting Started With Home Education
If you've landed here, you're probably somewhere between excited and completely overwhelmed — and that's entirely normal. Home education is one of the biggest decisions a family can make, and there's no shortage of questions at the beginning.
This page is here to help you feel a little calmer and a lot more prepared. Take it at your own pace. You don't need to have everything sorted before you begin.
Why Do Families Choose Home Education?
Every family has their own reason — and every reason is valid.
Some parents are looking for a more personalised approach, where their child can learn at their own pace and follow their genuine interests. Others have children who have struggled in school — with anxiety, bullying, health needs, or simply a learning style that doesn't fit neatly into a classroom. Some families choose home education because of faith, or travel, or a gifted child who needs more than the school can offer.
Whatever has brought you here, you are not alone — and you are more capable than you think.
A Personal Note
"When we started our home education journey, Tiny was about two years behind where the National Curriculum would have placed him. He has GDD, cerebral palsy, ADHD, and autism. As a retired teacher, I knew he was struggling — and I knew the only way to help him was to do this differently.
He's still behind in some areas. Ahead in others. Does that worry me? Not one bit. I know he's learning every single day. I know he's following his interests. And I know with absolute certainty that home education is the reason he's made the progress he has.
Don't let your child be defined by a tick list. They are so much more than that."
The Worry About Socialisation
This is the question almost every home educating parent gets asked — usually by a well-meaning relative at Christmas.
The honest answer is: it depends on you, and what you put in place. Home educated children aren't automatically isolated. There are local home ed groups, sports clubs, community classes, and families who meet regularly for activities. Many home educated children actually have more varied social experiences than their school-going peers — they're not limited to one class of children the same age.
That said, it does take a little more planning than a school run. It's worth thinking about what's available in your area before you begin.
Is It Legal in the UK?
Yes — home education is legal throughout the UK, though the rules vary slightly between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
In England and Wales, if your child currently attends school, you simply write to the headteacher to deregister them. You don't need permission from the school or your Local Authority — you just need to inform the school, and they'll notify the LA on your behalf.
For children with SEND: The process is broadly the same for children not in a special school. If your child attends a special school arranged by the LA, you will need to seek the LA's consent before deregistering.
In Scotland, you may need permission from your education authority if your child is currently enrolled in school. Always check with your local authority first.
It's always worth checking your specific local authority's guidance, as there can be small variations.
Sample Deregistration Letter (England & Wales)
Here are two sample letters you can adapt. The first is for mainstream school; the second is for families whose child attends a special needs school arranged by the LA.
Sample Letters
Dear [insert the head teacher's name here]
After careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw [insert your child's name here] from school in order to take personal responsibility for their education.
Please delete their name from the register in accordance with Education (Pupil Registration) Regulation 8(1)(d) 2006, as they are now receiving education otherwise than at school.
Please will you confirm receipt of this letter and inform us of the date that [insert your child's name here] was removed from the register.
Yours sincerely [insert your name here]
If you live in Scotland, you need permission from your education authority in some cases when your children are in school. Always check with your local authority.
A sample letter to the LA for a child attending a special needs school.
Mr/Mrs Director of Education
Anytown Borough Council Education Department
Full Address and Post Code
Dear Re - (Child's name - date of birth - special school attending)
We are writing as the parents of the above-named child, who is a child for whom the LEA currently maintains a statement of special educational needs and who is a registered pupil at (name) Special School, (address).
After very careful consideration and following amicable discussions with staff and teachers from the above-named school, we have now decided to take full responsibility for providing for our son's education, 'otherwise than at school' in accordance with section 7 of the 1996 Education Act.
We therefore seek the consent of the Local Education Authority to allow (child's name) name to be deleted from the admission register of the school, in accordance with Regulation 8(2) of the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2006.
Once consent has been given, we will provide our son /daughter with an efficient full-time education suitable to his age, ability, aptitude and to his special educational needs. We look forward to consent for (child's name) name to be deleted from the admission register being given to the proprietor of (name) Special School in the very near future and request that confirmation of such action be forwarded to us within the next 14 days.
Yours etc
Home Education can have many advantages over sending your child to a mainstream school.
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They have greater opportunities to learn about real-world issues
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They are free from bullying and the trauma that a lot of children are affected by in relation to their peers
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They can study at their own pace and follow their interest
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They can study a topic in greater depth than they would be able to at mainstream schools where time is a constraint
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They are free to be themselves and grow in confidence
Do You Have to Follow the National Curriculum?
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No — you don't. Home education in the UK falls under the Education Act, which simply says that parents must ensure their children receive a suitable education for their age, ability, and aptitude. What that looks like is largely up to you.
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That said, the National Curriculum can be a useful reference point — especially if you think your child might return to school later on, or if you want a rough map of what's typically covered at each stage. Think of it as a signpost, not a rulebook.
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One gentle word of caution: try not to use it as a measuring stick for your child. Every child learns differently and at their own pace. Progress in home education often looks very different to progress in a classroom — and that's not a problem.
Awesome! Now that you've sent the letter, it’s time to dive into the exciting world of education!
What Style of Home Education Suits Your Family?
There's no single right way to home educate, and most families end up with their own blend that evolves over time. Here's a brief overview of the main approaches:
Structured learning — follows a timetable and curriculum, similar to school. Good if your child thrives on routine or you're planning a return to mainstream school.
**Semi-structured learning** covers core subjects like literacy and maths each day, with more freedom to explore in the afternoons. A popular middle ground for many families.
**Project-based learning** children learn through deep dives into topics they're passionate about, weaving in different subjects naturally. Great for curious, creative learners.
**Charlotte Mason** focuses on nature, living books, and arts. A gentle, literature-rich approach that inspires a love of learning.
**Religious Learning** caters to families who want to integrate their faith into education, offering a wonderful blend of scriptural and moral teachings.
**Autonomous learning** child-led, following their own interests with your support. Works well for older children and self-motivated learners.
**World schooling** travel as education. Learning through real-world experience and cultural exposure.
You don't have to pick just one. Many families mix approaches, and what works at seven might look completely different at eleven. The key is paying attention to what lights your child up — and trusting yourself to adapt.
In our family, we enjoy a semi-structured approach with Literacy and Numeracy during the mornings, followed by project-based in the afternoons, plus dedicated Science lessons and exciting outings!
Remember, the key is to find a style that fits your child’s unique needs. It’s all about discovering what works best, and it will evolve over time. Let the learning adventure begin!
The National Curriculum and Home Educating
By law, you do not have to follow the National Curriculum when home educating.
Home Education comes under the bracket of the Education Act which refers to provision for 'education otherwise', which outlines the idea that while parents must ensure their children receive an education, the exact style, method, and content of that education is not made explicit, except that it must be suitable for a child's age, aptitude and ability.
You have the freedom to educate your child as you wish, but the framework of the National Curriculum can be a useful tool if you are considering sending your child back to mainstream school at a later date.
The National Curriculum describes issues like the knowledge, skills and understanding required in each subject, attainment targets for children studying individual subjects, and the marking and assessment of pupils. The National Curriculum divides up into chunks of years - 'key stages' - which include Early Learning Foundation Stage, then key stages one through to four.
You are not bound in any way to follow these signpost. Being constricted in this way may hinder your child’s progress. If you find that your child is behind his or her peer group in one area of learning (for example. Maths), then you might start to over worry and push the learning when the child is not ready yet.
Instead use the National Curriculum like signpost in their learning journey. And when you’re asked to fill out the report at the end of the year you can put down where your child is at currently and show the progress they have made.