Homeschooling in England

Key Requirements at a Glance

• No registration with any authority is currently required
• No obligation to follow the National Curriculum
• No mandatory testing, exams, or assessments
• No qualifications required for parents
• Children who have never attended school need no notification at all
• The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill (expected late 2026) may introduce a mandatory register

Legal Framework

Home education in England is governed by Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, which places a duty on parents to ensure their child receives 'efficient full-time education suitable (a) to his age, ability and aptitude, and (b) to any special educational needs he may have.' Section 437 gives local authorities the power to intervene if it appears a suitable education is not being provided. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, expected to receive Royal Assent around mid-2026, will introduce a mandatory 'children not in school' register.

Filing Requirements

Testing Requirements

How to Get Started

1. 1

   Decide Not to Enrol in School

   When your child reaches compulsory school age (5), you are under no obligation to register them at a school. Simply do not apply for a school place.

   • •Confirm you understand the legal duty under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996
   • •Begin planning your educational approach

   Tip: There is no form to fill in, no authority to notify, and no permission to seek You do not need to inform your local authority, though some families choose to Compulsory school age starts the term after a child turns 5, not at age 4
2. 2

   Provide a Suitable Education

   Begin educating your child. The education must be 'efficient full-time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude.' You choose the curriculum, methods, and schedule.

   • •Choose your educational philosophy and approach (structured, unschooling, eclectic, etc.)
   • •Gather resources and materials
   • •Consider joining local home education groups for social opportunities

   Tip: Education does not have to look like school — learning through play, projects, real-world experiences, and self-directed study all count Keep some evidence of educational activity (notes, photos, work samples) in case the local authority ever asks Many families find their approach evolves over time — there is no wrong way as long as the child is learning

Pros & Cons

Sports & Activities

There is no equivalent of US-style school sports access laws in England. Home-educated children do not have a legal right to participate in school sports teams or extracurricular activities. Some schools may allow access on an informal or case-by-case basis.