Considering home education
Think about your child's learning needs, the time and resources available, subjects and qualifications, social opportunities and how you will demonstrate that a suitable education is being provided.
GUIDE FOR FAMILIES
Home education in England
Thinking about educating your child at home? This guide explains the main steps, responsibilities and questions families may want to consider before making the change.
ELECTIVE HOME EDUCATION
Understanding the process
Home education (sometimes called elective home education or home schooling) means parents take responsibility for ensuring their child receives a suitable full-time education outside school. You do not have to follow the National Curriculum, although families planning GCSEs will usually want a clear programme of study.
Deregistering from school
If your child attends a mainstream school in England and you decide to educate them at home full-time, tell the school in writing that your child will no longer attend and will be educated otherwise than at school. The school then removes them from its register and informs the local authority.
Important: different rules apply if your child attends a special school under local-authority arrangements or is subject to a School Attendance Order. Contact your local authority before withdrawing them.
Your local authority
Your council may make enquiries about the education being provided. It can take action if it appears that a child of compulsory school age is not receiving suitable education.
Planning learning
Families can use different approaches to home education. Consider a realistic weekly routine, appropriate subjects, resources, opportunities for feedback and how learning and progress will be recorded.
GCSEs and examinations
Home-educated students can work towards qualifications, but families should plan early for specifications, exam-entry arrangements and an appropriate exam centre. Exam fees are not automatically covered by home education.
How Ivy High can fit in
Ivy High can provide structured online learning as part of a family's home-education arrangements. Parents remain responsible for ensuring their child receives a suitable education and for meeting their legal responsibilities.
Explore Ivy High packages →BEFORE YOU DECIDE
A useful family checklist
- Understand the responsibilities that come with elective home education.
- Consider how your child will learn across the week.
- Plan subjects and future qualifications.
- Budget for learning resources and examination costs.
- Think about friendships, clubs, activities and time with other young people.
- Read the latest official guidance for your circumstances.
Check the latest government guidance
This page is general information for families in England, not legal advice. Rules can depend on a child's circumstances, particularly where special-school placements, an EHCP or a School Attendance Order are involved.