Homeschooling in Wales
Currently similar to England's freedom, but mandatory registration is on the horizon
Wales currently shares much of its home education legal framework with England under the **Education Act 1996**. Parents have the right to home educate with no mandatory registration, no required curriculum, and no testing. However, **significant legislative change is underway**: the Senedd agreed in March 2026 to adopt the 'children not in school' clauses from the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which will introduce a **mandatory registration requirement** for home-educated children in Wales.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
No
none
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Currently no registration or notification required if never enrolled in school
- Deregistration from school requires a letter to the headteacher (no permission needed)
- No requirement to follow the Welsh National Curriculum
- No mandatory testing or assessment
- No qualifications required for parents
- Mandatory 'children not in school' register agreed by the Senedd in March 2026 — implementation details pending
Legal Framework
Home education in Wales is currently governed by Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 (which applies to both England and Wales), placing a duty on parents to ensure 'efficient full-time education suitable to the child's age, ability and aptitude.' The Senedd agreed on 17 March 2026 to adopt the 'children not in school' provisions from the UK Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. The Welsh Government will develop secondary legislation and statutory guidance to implement these provisions, with a full public consultation expected in the new Senedd term.
Filing Requirements
Under current law, no notification is required. This will change when the mandatory register is implemented.
Testing Requirements
Required: No
Frequency: N/A
Grades: N/A
No testing or formal assessment is required.
How to Get Started
- 1
Choose Not to Enrol in School
When your child reaches compulsory school age (5), you are not obliged to enrol them at a school. Simply do not apply for a school place.
- •Understand your duty under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996
- •Plan your educational approach
Tip: No form, notification, or permission is needed under current law Monitor legislative developments regarding the mandatory register Consider connecting with Welsh home education groups such as Wales Home Education or local networks - 2
Provide a Suitable Education
Begin educating your child. The education must be 'efficient full-time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude.'
- •Choose your educational approach
- •Source materials and resources
- •Consider bilingual (Welsh/English) opportunities if desired
Tip: The Curriculum for Wales does not apply to home educators Keep some evidence of educational activity in case of inquiries Welsh-medium resources are available if you wish to include Welsh language
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓No notification or registration required (current law)
- ✓Complete curriculum freedom
- ✓No testing or assessment obligations
Cons
- •Mandatory registration is expected to change this
- •Local authority may make inquiries if aware
- •No access to school resources by right
Sports & Activities
There is no legal framework in Wales for home-educated children to access school sports teams. Community clubs and home education groups are the primary route.
Track Wales compliance with Starpath
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Last updated: 2026-04-16 · WLS homeschool law guide