Homeschooling in the UK: How to Register

Homeschooling is a popular choice for many parents in the UK, offering the flexibility to tailor education to their child's unique needs. However, it's essential to understand the legal requirements and registration process. This guide will walk you through the steps involved, depending on whether your child is currently attending school.

Homeschooling Your Child Who is Not Registered in a School

What a lot of people don't know is that homeschooling is the first educational option for your child. Your local authority will automatically assume you are homeschooling your child unless you have opted to put them into a school.

Also, there is no obligation to inform the local authorities that you are homeschooling however, it may be in your best interest as you'll be assigned an elective home educator team who you can get into contact with and ask all your home education questions and concerns you may have.

1. Notify the Local Authority: Contact your local authority's education department to inform them of your intention to homeschool your child. You can do this by email or via letter.

2. Provide Information: You may be required to provide information about your child's age, the curriculum you intend to use, and your plans for their education. This will be reviewed in your yearly meeting.

3. Confirmation: The local authority will confirm your homeschooling status and provide you with any necessary documentation. You do not need to wait for this to be confirmed before you start home education. You can start immediately.
   
   
   

Homeschooling Your Child Who is Already Enrolled in School

If your child is currently enrolled in a school, you'll need to follow these steps:

1. Notify the School: Inform the headteacher of your intention to homeschool your child. Provide a written notification stating you'll be removing your child from the school and the last they your child will be attending the school. You do not have to give a reason for why you are de-registering. If you want to give a reason you can put down you have decided to homeschool.

2. De-register Your Child: Once the school receives your notification, they will initiate the process of de-registering your child. The'll inform the local authorities and then you'll be contacted by the Elective Home Education Team.

3. Confirm De-registration: After de-registration, you should receive confirmation from the local authority.

The Elective Home Education document form the Gov.uk website has even more information on home education.

Important Considerations

• Curriculum: While there is no compulsory curriculum for homeschooled children in the UK, you are expected to provide a suitable education. Consider using a recognised curriculum or developing your own.

• Attendance: You are not required to follow the same attendance regulations as schools, but it's essential to ensure your child receives a consistent education.

• Assessments: While there is no compulsory testing for homeschooled children, you may choose to have your child assessed to monitor their progress. You will need to pay for these exams.

• Support: Connect with other homeschooling families and support networks for advice, resources, and encouragement. Join our homeschooling discord community to speak with families in the same boat as you.
  
  

Remember, the specific requirements may vary slightly depending on your local authority. It's always advisable to consult with your local education department for the most accurate information.

By following these steps and understanding the legal requirements, you can successfully homeschool your child in the UK and provide them with a personalised and fulfilling education.

If you would like any more information on homeschooling feel free to join our discord community.