Is homeschooling allowed in the UK?

Yes, unlike in some other countries, homeschooling in the UK is allowed if you can fulfil the government requirements to meet your child’s needs.


Is homeschooling a good idea?

Home schooling may be extremely rewarding for both children and their families, and it frequently results in youngsters earning higher academic performance and certificates than expected. However, being home-schooled does not limit students from attending university for higher education and pursuing a rewarding job.


How many hours per week or day does my child need?

According to the UK government's guidance on home education, there is no set amount of time that a child needs to be homeschooled each day or week.  The Home Education Advisory Service (HEAS) suggests that children aged 5-7 should have around 1-2 hours of structured learning per day, while children aged 8-11 should have around 2-3 hours per day. For children aged 12 and above, it is recommended that they have around 3-4 hours of structured learning per day.

It's important to note that these are just guidelines, and the amount of time spent on homeschooling can vary based on the child's individual needs and learning style. It's also important to ensure that the child is not overburdened with too much-structured learning, as this can lead to burnout and disengagement.


References

UK Government, "Elective home education: guidance for parents" (2019). Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/elective-home-education 

Home Education Advisory Service, "FAQs for home educators" (2017). Available at: https://www.heas.org.uk/resources/faqs-for-home-educators/ 




I want to elect my child for home learning but don’t know how? What should I do?

If you want to elect your child for full-time home education with the help of a home learning provider, the process is straightforward. You can follow these steps:


If your child is currently enrolled in a school: 

If your child is currently enrolled in a school in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you should send a deregistration letter to the principal. This letter should explain your intention to educate your child at the home full-time, beginning on a specific date and request that your child’s name be removed from the register. This letter can be sent by mail or via email if you like.


You are not legally compelled to attend a meeting called by the headteacher or answer any informal enquiry to discuss your decision. You do not need the consent of the headteacher to deregister your child.


Contact your local authority: 

You should inform your local authority that you are home-educating your child. You can do this by writing to the head of your local authority's education department. You do not need to seek permission from your local authority to home-educate your child.



Register your child with us:

When you register your child with us, we will work with you to create a plan that meets your child's needs. We will begin with a meeting to discuss your goals and aspirations for your child's education. Our experienced team will enroll your child onto our program and provide you with regular progress meetings to keep you informed of your child's progress. We will set learning goals and provide educational materials that align with your child's interests and abilities. Our team will monitor and measure progress to ensure that your child is on track and making steady progress. 


Where do homeschoolers take GCSEs?

Children who have been homeschooled can take their GCSEs at a local public (state schools) or private school, or other test centres if they pay for it themselves.


Do both parents have to agree to homeschool UK?

If either parent’s name is on the child’s birth certificate, they can home-school the child without the approval of the other. However, this can be disputed in court. There appears to be no clear restriction on who can give the child home education.


Can I claim benefits if I homeschool my child UK?

Homeschooling has no impact on your financial or benefit status. If you’re receiving benefits and decide to homeschool your child, nothing changes legally.


Do you still get child benefit if your child is homeschooled?

Suppose your child is continuing homeschooling after the age of 16 and was homeschooled before the age of 16. In that case, you are still eligible for Child Benefits if the home education is still considered full-time.


Do parents get paid for homeschooling UK?

Parents who choose to educate their children at home receive no payment fund or facility. Homeschooling is a self-funded option chosen by parents or legal guardians.


Do you have to do GCSEs if you’re homeschooled?

Children who are homeschooled are not required to sit GCSEs, SATs, A-Levels, or any other exams. The legal requirement for home education is that each student receives an “age-appropriate, full-time education”. However, no definition of “age-appropriate” or “full-time” exists till this day.


Do you need qualifications to homeschool your child the UK?

To teach their child, parents do not need any formal qualifications. It will suffice as long as you do your research, adhere to the homeschool curriculum, and gather sufficient resources.


Can I homeschool my child temporarily in the UK?

It is entirely legal in the United Kingdom to provide a suitable education for your child at home (even if it’s temporary).


What if I am abroad and my child needs to sit exams?

If your child is a British national or native English speaker and you are currently living abroad or travelling, you can still prepare them for UK GCSEs or A-levels.

However, depending on what exam centres are available in your country, it may sometimes be more practical to register for IGCSEs (International GCSEs) or International A-levels, which are accepted worldwide and are equivalent to UK qualifications.

The key difference:

Both are recognised equally by UK universities and colleges — so it depends on where your child will sit their exams.


Where can I register my child for exams?

If you are living abroad:

If you are likely to return to the UK or travel to the UK for exams, your child can still be prepared for GCSEs as a private candidate — we can help advise you on exam centres for this.

How do I choose between GCSE and IGCSE?

We can help you choose the most practical option for your child based on your country, travel plans, and future academic goals. Both qualifications are equally valid and recognised.

How can I prepare my child?

We offer personalised learning plans to prepare your child for either GCSEs or IGCSEs — with clear guidance on subject choices, exam boards, and revision timelines.

When can my child sit GCSE / IGCSE / A-level exams?


 Exams must be taken during official sessions:

Can my child take exams at any time?
 No — all candidates must sit exams during these official dates worldwide.

How much do exams cost?
 Exam board fees:


Helpful links:

Home education: guidance for parents and carers (UK government) https://www.gov.uk/home-education  

Elective Home Education (EHE) Guidelines for Local Authorities (Department for Education) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/841336/Elective_home_education_guidelines_for_local_authorities.pdf  

Education Otherwise https://www.educationotherwise.org/



"Please note that all information provided is subject to change, as per policies put forward by relevant authorities, which are beyond our control. Therefore, it is always recommended that you refer to official sources for the most current and accurate information."