How to Register for Home Education in the UK | A Guide

Editor's Note: This guide is based on our own experience and research into the official process for home educating in the UK. Last updated: 12.11.25.

One of the most common questions we get from families considering this path is, "How do I actually make it official?" The process is simpler than you might think, but it changes depending on whether your child has never been to school or if you're taking them out of an existing school. This guide walks you through both scenarios based on what we've learned.

Home Educating a Child Who Has Never Been to School

This is the simplest scenario, and one many people don't know about.

Your child is automatically considered to be home educated. The local authority assumes you are educating your child at home unless you formally enroll them in a school. You are not legally required to inform anyone.

However, we highly recommend you do inform your local authority anyway. Here's why:

• You will be assigned an Elective Home Education (EHE) team.

• This team becomes your point of contact for any questions or concerns.

• It establishes a positive, transparent relationship from the start.
  
  

How to do it:

1. Find the contact details for your local authority's education department.

2. Send them an email or letter stating that your child, [Child's Name and Date of Birth], is being educated at home.

3. You can start your home education journey immediately; you don't need to wait for a reply.
   
   

Home Educating a Child Who is Already in School

If your child is currently enrolled in a school, you need to formally deregister them. This process is straightforward and protected by law.

Step 1: Notify the School
Write a formal letter or email to the headteacher of your child's school. You must include:

• Your child's full name and date of birth.

• A clear statement that you are withdrawing your child to be home educated.

• The final date your child will attend the school.
  
  

Crucially, you do not need to give a reason for your decision. You can simply state, "We have decided to home educate our child." The school must accept this notification and cannot refuse your request.

Step 2: The School Informs the Local Authority
Once the school receives your letter, they are legally required to remove your child from the school roll and inform the local authority. The local authority's EHE team will then contact you to acknowledge your decision.

What Happens Next? Understanding Your Responsibilities

After you've registered or deregistered, your role as the primary educator begins. The law states you must provide a full-time education suitable to your child's age, ability, and any special educational needs.

Key Points to Remember:

• There is no compulsory curriculum. You have the freedom to choose an approach that works for your family. We follow the National Curriculum using resources like Scholastic's guide, but you can create your own path.

• The local authority may make informal contact. They might request a yearly meeting or a written update to satisfy themselves that a suitable education is being provided. In our experience, this has been a supportive, conversational check-in.

• There are no compulsory tests or exams. However, if you wish your child to take formal qualifications like GCSEs, you will need to arrange and pay for them as a private candidate.
  
  

Your Essential Resource

For the most detailed and official information, we strongly recommend reading the government's own guide:
Elective Home Education: Guidance for Local Authorities

While written for councils, it clearly outlines your rights and responsibilities as a parent.

Final Thoughts

The administrative side of starting home education can feel daunting, but the process itself is designed to be simple. You have the legal right to educate your child at home. By notifying the correct people and understanding your responsibilities, you can confidently begin your home education journey, just like we did.

The Uwah Family