A Comprehensive Guide to Homeschooling in the UK
Homeschooling, or home education, is an increasingly popular choice for families in the UK seeking an alternative to traditional schooling. While it offers unparalleled flexibility and the chance to tailor learning to individual needs, homeschooling also requires careful planning and adherence to legal guidelines. This guide explores key aspects of homeschooling in the UK, including how to begin, whether GCSEs are mandatory, and some of the challenges families may face.
How Do I Become Homeschooled in the UK at Compulsory School Age?
In the UK, homeschooling is a legal and flexible option for families. Here’s how you can get started:
1. Understand the Legal Requirements
Homeschooling is permitted under UK law as long as the education provided is suitable for the child’s age, ability, aptitude, and any special educational needs (SEN). Unlike state schools, homeschooling does not need to follow the National Curriculum, but it must provide a broad and balanced education to ensure a child’s learning is holistic.
If your child is already enrolled in a child’s school, you must inform the school in writing that you intend to deregister them to begin homeschooling. Also informing the headteacher of the current school your child attends is a good starting point. For children attending a special school, additional consent may be required from the local authority who may require further information.
2. What is Compulsory School Age?
In the UK (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland & England), a child is considered to be of compulsory school age from the beginning of the first term after their 5th birthday until the last Friday in June in the school year that they turn 16 years old. This means that parents are legally required to ensure their child receives a suitable education during this period, either by attending a mainstream school or through home education. Understanding this timeframe is crucial for parents considering home education, as it outlines the period during which they must provide a structured and suitable education for their child.
3. What is Home Education?
Home education, also known as elective home education (EHE), is a choice made by parents to provide education for their children at home instead of sending them to school full-time. This approach allows for a flexible and personalised learning experience, tailored to the child’s individual needs and interests. Home education can be delivered by parents, carers, or tutors and can include a variety of educational activities such as online learning, activity clubs, and hands-on projects. This method empowers parents to create a learning environment that best suits their child’s unique learning style and pace.
p.s. homeschooling tends to be an American term, and home educators in the UK much prefer the term ‘home education.’
4. What Does Suitable Education Mean?
A suitable education is one that is sufficient to develop a child’s physical, mental, moral, and spiritual well-being, and prepares them for adult life. In the context of home education, this means that parents must provide an education that is tailored to their child’s age, ability, and aptitude, and that meets their individual needs. This can include offering a broad and balanced curriculum, as well as opportunities for socialisation and extracurricular activities. Ensuring a suitable education involves continuous assessment and adaptation to ensure that the child’s educational needs are being met effectively.
5. Plan Your Approach
There’s no one-size-fits-all method for homeschooling. Many parents choose a mix of educational philosophies, such as:
Traditional schooling at home: Mimicking the structure of a classroom with scheduled lessons.
Unschooling: A child-led approach where learning happens organically based on the child’s interests.
Montessori or Steiner methods: Approaches that emphasise creativity and hands-on learning.
Hybrid or flexi-schooling: Combining home education with part-time attendance at school. This allows a child attending school to benefit from structured learning and socialisation while enjoying the flexibility of home education.
6. Gather Resources
Homeschooling requires resources such as books, workbooks, and online tools. Many parents invest in:
Educational websites and apps.
Local homeschooling groups for collaborative learning.
Libraries and museums for supplementary education.
Private GCSE tutors and A level tutors delivering online lessons for specific subjects.
7. Create a Routine
While homeschooling offers flexibility, a structured routine can help maintain focus and ensure progress. Setting regular times for learning, breaks, and extracurricular activities provides consistency. Homeschooling can also provide a structured full-time education that meets legal requirements, ensuring that children receive an efficient and suitable education.
Of course, you can create a routine completely tailored to your child’s life and your family life, so there’s no ‘school hours’ as such. Your routine should complement the lifestyle your family has!
8. Engage with Local Authorities
Although it’s not mandatory to register as a homeschooler, local councils may contact you to ensure your child is receiving a suitable education. They may request evidence such as examples of your child’s work or a description of your teaching approach. If you fail to demonstrate that your child is receiving a suitable education, the local authority may issue a school attendance order, requiring your child to attend a specific school.
Local authorities may also inform you about financial support. For example, some local authorities provide free exam booking for private candidates (i.e. home educated students) through schemes / partnerships with local exam centres.
Do Homeschoolers Have to Take GCSEs?
One of the most frequently asked questions about homeschooling in the UK is whether students must sit for GCSEs. The answer depends on individual goals and circumstances.
Are GCSEs Compulsory?
No, GCSEs are not mandatory for homeschooled students. However, they are the standard qualification for secondary education and are often required for further education (i.e. sixthform/college), higher education (i.e. university) or employment.
What is the National Curriculum?
The National Curriculum is a framework for education in England, which outlines the subjects and standards that schools are expected to teach. However, home educating parents are not required to follow the National Curriculum and can instead choose to provide a personalised education that meets their child’s individual needs. The National Curriculum is divided into four key stages, covering ages 5-16, and includes subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and humanities. While it provides a useful guideline, home educators have the freedom to design a curriculum that aligns with their educational philosophy and their child’s interests.
Alternatives to the National Curriculum
Homeschoolers can opt for alternative qualifications such as:
IGCSEs: International GCSEs are widely recognised and sometimes considered more flexible for independent learners. For example, for GCSE Science they do not mandate the Required Practicals!
Functional Skills Qualifications: Covering core skills in English, maths, and ICT, these are accepted by many employers and colleges.
Diplomas and Apprenticeships: Vocational qualifications may be more suitable for students with specific career goals.
How to Arrange Exams
Since homeschoolers are not automatically registered with a school, parents must find an exam centre where their child can sit for GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. This often involves:
Choosing the right exam board (e.g. AQA, Edexcel, or Cambridge).
Registering with an exam centre well in advance of exam dates.
Covering the costs of exam fees and associated expenses.
At Studdle, we have a dedicated team to find you your local exam centre for GCSE and A Level exams so feel free to get in touch here
What is the Biggest Disadvantage of Homeschooling?
While homeschooling offers many benefits, it also comes with challenges. One of the most significant disadvantages is the potential for social isolation and lack of social development.
1. Limited Peer Interaction
Traditional schools provide a built-in environment for children to interact with peers, build friendships, and develop social skills. Homeschooled children may have fewer opportunities for regular social engagement, which can affect their ability to navigate group dynamics. Some parents opt for hybrid schooling, where children are attending school part-time to benefit from social interactions.
2. Parental Burden
Homeschooling places significant responsibility on parents. They must do:
Lesson planning and deliver efficient full time education.
Manage household responsibilities alongside teaching.
Monitor progress and adapt the curriculum as needed.
This can lead to parental burnout, particularly in families where one parent must forego employment to dedicate time to homeschooling.
3. Access to Resources
While homeschooling allows for tailored learning, some parents find it challenging to access resources comparable to those available in schools, such as science labs, sports facilities, or extracurricular programs.
4. Financial Costs
Homeschooling can be more expensive than traditional schooling. Parents may need to pay for:
Educational materials.
Private online tutoring for specialised subjects.
Exam fees.
Extra-curricular activities to provide social opportunities such as work experience and sports clubs.
5. Academic Oversight
Without the structured environment of a school, ensuring consistent academic progress can be difficult. Parents may struggle to cover all subjects comprehensively or identify gaps in their child’s knowledge. It is crucial to monitor and adapt the child’s education to ensure all subjects are covered comprehensively.
A private tutor can be transformative as they can focus on the academic side of your child’s development whereas you can focus on their social and mental development through community events, extra-curricular activities and trips!
Key Benefits of Homeschooling
Despite its challenges, homeschooling offers several unique advantages:
Personalised Learning: Students can learn at their own pace, focusing on their strengths and receiving extra support in weaker areas. Homeschooling allows for tailoring education to the child’s age and developmental stage.
Flexibility: Families can create schedules that suit their lifestyle, allowing for travel or time spent on hobbies.
Focus on Well-Being: Homeschooling provides a stress-free alternative for children who may struggle with the pressures of traditional schooling, such as exams or bullying.
How to start homeschooling in the UK:
If you wish to remove your child from school to home educate them, you will need to follow these steps:
Inform the School: Write to the headteacher of your child’s school to inform them of your decision to home educate. You will need to provide a formal letter stating your intention to withdraw your child from school.
Deregister Your Child: Once you have informed the school, you will need to deregister your child from the school roll. This will involve completing a deregistration form, which will be provided by the school.
Notify the Local Authority / Local Council: You will also need to notify your local authority of your decision to home educate your child. This will involve completing a notification form, which will be provided by the local authority.
Provide a Suitable Education: Once you have deregistered your child, you will be responsible for providing a suitable education. This will involve creating a personalised learning plan that meets your child’s individual needs and interests.
Note: The specific steps and requirements may vary depending on your location and the policies of your local authority. It is recommended that you consult with your local authority and seek advice from a home education organisation or support group to ensure that you are following the correct procedures.
How does home schooling work – Tips for Success in Homeschooling
Join a Community: Many local groups and online groups provide support, resources, and opportunities for collaboration.
Keep Records: Maintain a portfolio of your child’s work to track progress and demonstrate educational suitability if needed. This is also good to keep on hand to present to your local council’s home education officer who may check in with you annually.
Encourage Social Activities: Enroll your child in clubs, sports teams, or community programs to foster social development.
Seek Professional Help When Needed: Don’t hesitate to hire online tutors or consult educational experts for specialised subject support.
Conclusion – How do you get homeschooled
Homeschooling in the UK is a viable and rewarding option for families seeking a tailored educational experience. By understanding legal requirements, planning effectively, and addressing challenges such as socialisation and resource access, parents can provide a rich and fulfilling education for their children. Whether your goal is academic excellence, a stress-free learning environment, or a focus on specific interests, homeschooling offers the flexibility to achieve it all.