A Comprehensive Guide for Parents and Home Educators
Homeschooling, called home education in the UK is a growing trend, offering families the flexibility to tailor education to their children’s needs while maintaining high standards. For those considering this path, understanding the UK homeschooling curriculum, including its structure and requirements, is essential.
This guide explores the fundamentals of homeschooling in the UK, emphasising the British curriculum and practical tips for successful implementation.
Introduction to Home Education in the UK
Home education, also known as homeschooling, is a growing movement in the UK, with an increasing number of parents choosing to take control of their children’s education. This approach allows families to tailor their educational experience to better suit their child’s unique needs and interests. In this section, we will explore the basics of home education, its historical context, and the growth trends that have made it a popular choice for many families.
Understanding the Basics of Home Education
Home education is the process of educating children outside of a traditional school setting. It can be a full-time or part-time arrangement, and parents have the flexibility to either follow the national curriculum or create their own homeschooling curriculum. This flexibility allows parents to design a learning experience that aligns with their child’s learning style and interests. Importantly, home education is a legal right in the UK, and parents are not required to have any specific qualifications or training to homeschool their children. This opens up the opportunity for a more personalised and meaningful education that can adapt to the child’s pace and preferences.
Historical Context and Growth Trends
Home education has a long history, but it has seen a significant resurgence in recent years. Various factors contribute to this trend, including dissatisfaction with the traditional school system, concerns about bullying and safety, and the desire for a more personalised education. According to a report by the BBC, the number of children being homeschooled in the UK has increased by 40% in the past five years, with over 60,000 children now being educated at home. This growth reflects a broader shift towards valuing individualised learning experiences and the flexibility that home education offers.
Education Quality and Curriculum
When choosing to homeschool in the UK, parents often prioritise education quality and curriculum as the foundation of their approach. Rather than purchasing a complete curriculum package, the British curriculum, also known as the National Curriculum, is one of the most respected educational frameworks globally. It provides a structured, sequential approach to learning, ensuring students achieve proficiency in core subjects.
Why Choose the British Curriculum?
Global Recognition: The British curriculum is widely accepted by universities and employers, making it an ideal choice for families planning higher education in the UK or abroad.
Comprehensive Coverage: It includes subjects such as Mathematics, Science, English, Humanities, Arts, and Physical Education, fostering a well-rounded education.
Flexibility: While homeschoolers are not legally required to follow the National Curriculum, many parents use it as a guideline to ensure their children meet academic benchmarks, such as required grades for higher education (i.e university) and future employment.
Adapting the Curriculum for Homeschooling
Homeschooling parents have the freedom to adapt the curriculum to suit their child’s learning style, child’s interests, and pace. Whether you choose a traditional or alternative method, the British curriculum provides a strong foundation for academic success.
What Curriculum Do Most Homeschoolers Use?
The homeschool curriculum chosen by families in the UK varies based on family preferences, educational philosophies, and long-term goals.
However, several popular homeschool curriculums align closely with the British curriculum while offering the adaptability homeschoolers often seek.
National Curriculum
Many families use the National Curriculum as a framework for their homeschooling syllabus in the UK. It provides a clear outline of what children are expected to learn at each stage, making it a convenient guide.
International British Curriculum
Programs like the Cambridge International British Curriculum are particularly appealing for families seeking globally recognised qualifications such as IGCSEs and A-Levels. These are ideal for students planning to attend university in the UK or abroad.
Alternative Curricula
Some parents prefer non-traditional curricula over those offered at a mainstream school, such as:
Montessori: Focuses on hands-on, child-led learning.
Steiner/Waldorf: Emphasizes creativity and holistic development.
Unschooling: Allows the child’s interests to guide their learning journey.
Custom Homeschool Curriculum
Homeschooling offers the unique advantage of designing a bespoke curriculum that integrates elements from multiple sources, ensuring a tailored educational experience.
Educating Your Child at Home
Homeschooling in the UK allows parents to take full responsibility for their children’s education. It’s a significant commitment that requires careful planning and execution, but it also offers numerous benefits, including personalised learning and the flexibility to explore subjects in depth.
Legal Requirements for Home Education at Compulsory School Age
Parents must provide an education that is suitable for the child’s age, ability, aptitude, and any special educational needs (SEN) as part of elective home education.
If the child is enrolled in a school, parents must notify the school in writing about their decision to withdraw for homeschooling.
Local councils may make informal inquiries to ensure the child is receiving an adequate education. This varies local authority to local authority, so go to your local council’s website to check for information about their home education policies.
Compulsory School Age and Withdrawal Process
In the UK (England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland), children are required to receive a full-time education from the age of 5 to 16. Parents who wish to homeschool their children must notify the local council and provide evidence of a suitable education. This ensures that the child’s educational needs are being met outside of the traditional school environment. If a child is already attending school, parents must follow the withdrawal process, which involves notifying the school and the local council. This formal process helps maintain a record of the child’s educational status and ensures that the transition to home education is smooth and compliant with legal requirements.
Practical Steps to Start Homeschooling
Set Goals: Define what you want your child to achieve academically, socially, and emotionally.
Choose Resources: Invest in books, online platforms, and educational tools tailored to your chosen homeschooling syllabus in the UK.
Create a Routine: Establish a daily or weekly schedule to ensure consistency while leaving room for flexibility.
Join a Community: Engage with homeschooling networks for support, resource sharing, and social opportunities.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Homeschooling
Children with special educational needs (SEN) can also be homeschooled, and many parents choose this path if they feel that the traditional school system is not adequately meeting their child’s needs. Homeschooling allows for a more tailored approach to education, which can be particularly beneficial for children with SEN. However, parents must ensure that they provide a suitable education that meets their child’s specific requirements. In some cases, this may involve obtaining permission from the local council or seeking additional support from specialist tutors or therapists. By doing so, parents can create a supportive and effective learning environment that addresses their child’s unique challenges and strengths.
In this linked blog, we explore the legal requirements and procedures for homeschooling in the UK, including the role of the local council and the process of notifying the school and the council.
How Many Hours a Week Should I Homeschool in the UK?
One of the most frequently asked questions by new homeschooling parents is how much time they should dedicate to teaching. While there are no legal requirements for hours, best practices can help guide your approach.
Recommended Hours
Primary Education (Ages 5-11): 2-4 hours a day, focusing on foundational skills like literacy, numeracy, and creative subjects.
Secondary Education (Ages 11-16): 4-6 hours a day, particularly for students preparing for GCSEs or equivalent qualifications.
Flexibility in Scheduling
Homeschooling allows parents to adjust the schedule based on the child’s pace and interests. For example, online classes can be incorporated to cover core subjects like GCSE Maths and Science in the morning. Afternoons can be reserved for creative or physical activities.
Quality Over Quantity
Rather than adhering strictly to a set number of hours, focus on the quality of learning. Homeschooling often achieves more in less time due to one-on-one teaching and the absence of classroom distractions.
Do You Have to Follow a Curriculum When Homeschooling UK?
The short answer is no. Homeschooling in the UK is not bound by the National Curriculum, giving parents the freedom to design an education plan that works best for their child. However, there are benefits and considerations for both structured and unstructured approaches.
Advantages of Following a Curriculum
Guidance: A curriculum provides a clear roadmap, helping parents cover essential subjects and topics.
Assessment Readiness: For students planning to take standardized exams like GCSEs, following a curriculum ensures they meet academic requirements.
Consistency: Using a curriculum can prevent gaps in learning and maintain a balanced educational experience.
Freedom to Explore
Parents who choose not to follow a formal curriculum often embrace a more eclectic approach, incorporating:
Project-Based Learning: Exploring topics in depth through research and practical application.
Experiential Learning: Using everyday activities like cooking, travel, or gardening to teach real-world skills.
The Charlotte Mason Method
The Charlotte Mason approach to education is a child-centred philosophy that emphasises the development of the whole person – intellectually, morally, and spiritually—through a rich and meaningful curriculum. This approach, named after the British educator Charlotte Mason (1842–1923), is widely adopted by homeschoolers who value a natural and holistic learning environment.
Key Principles of the Charlotte Mason Approach
Living Ideas Over Dry Facts
Mason believed education should focus on exposing children to “living ideas” rather than rote memorisation of facts. This is achieved through:
Living Books: Engaging, well-written books that bring subjects to life, rather than dry textbooks.
Narration: Children recount what they have learned to reinforce understanding and retention.
Short, Focused Lessons
Lessons are intentionally short (10–30 minutes, depending on the child’s age) to maintain focus and prevent fatigue.
Quality is prioritized over quantity, ensuring deep engagement with each subject.
A Broad and Balanced Curriculum
The approach advocates exposing children to a wide range of subjects, including:
Literature
History
Geography
Nature Study
Art and Music Appreciation
Handicrafts
Mathematics and Science
Subjects are interwoven to create a cohesive and meaningful educational experience.
Nature Study
Time spent outdoors observing and appreciating nature is a cornerstone of Mason’s philosophy.
Children keep nature journals, sketching and describing plants, animals, and natural phenomena, fostering a love for the environment and scientific observation.
Is the Charlotte Mason Approach Right for Your Family?
The Charlotte Mason approach suits families who value a nurturing, holistic education that prioritises deep learning and personal growth. It works particularly well for:
Parents who prefer structured but flexible methods.
Children who thrive on creative and nature-based learning e.g. students with ADHD
Families who enjoy literature and storytelling.
Whether as a stand-alone method or combined with other educational philosophies, the Charlotte Mason approach continues to inspire homeschoolers worldwide with its timeless principles.
Balancing Structure and Flexibility
Many homeschooling families adopt a hybrid approach, combining the structure of the National Curriculum with the freedom to explore subjects beyond its scope.
Conclusion – Should you use the Homeschooling British Curriculum?
Homeschooling in the UK offers unparalleled opportunities for personalized and flexible education. Whether you choose to follow the British curriculum, adopt an alternative approach, or design your own homeschooling syllabus in the UK, the key is to create a learning environment that meets your child’s unique needs.
By understanding legal requirements, exploring curriculum options, and maintaining a balance between structure and creativity, homeschooling can be an enriching and rewarding experience for both parents and children. Whether your focus is academic excellence, holistic development, or fostering a love for learning, homeschooling allows you to achieve it all.