How to Deregister Your Child From School in the UK

Deciding to home educate is the big, brave part. The actual deregistration, the official process of taking your child off the school roll, is usually far simpler than parents fear. For most families it is a single letter. This guide walks you through exactly how to deregister your child from school in the UK, with a letter template you can copy, and what to expect afterwards.

The legal basics

In England and Wales, home education is completely legal. Under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, it is the parent’s duty to ensure their child receives a suitable, full-time education “either by regular attendance at school or otherwise”. The word “otherwise” means home. You do not need permission, you do not need teaching qualifications, and you do not need to follow the national curriculum.

First, the one question that changes everything

Before you do anything, answer this: has your child actually been attending a school?

• If your child has never been enrolled at school (for example, they are not yet of compulsory school age, or you are choosing home education from the start), there is nothing to deregister. You simply do not apply for or take up a school place. If you have accepted a place but they have not started, contact the school or local authority to decline it.
• If your child is currently at a mainstream school, you deregister by writing to the head teacher. This is the most common situation and is covered in detail below.
• If your child attends a special school and was placed there by the local authority, the rules are different: you need the local authority’s consent before you withdraw them. Contact the LA’s SEND or Elective Home Education team first.

How to deregister from a mainstream school, step by step

1. Write a deregistration letter to the head teacher (template below). You do not need to give a reason beyond your intention to home educate, and you do not need the school’s or the council’s permission.
2. Send it to the head teacher by email and, ideally, also by recorded delivery or by hand in exchange for a dated receipt, so you have proof.
3. Keep a copy of the letter and your proof of sending.
4. Ask for written confirmation that your child has been removed from the admission register. The school is legally required to remove them and to notify the local authority.
5. That is it. Your child is now home educated from the date in your letter.

Your deregistration letter template

Copy this, fill in the brackets, and send it to the head teacher. Keep it brief and factual.

What happens after you deregister

Once the school removes your child from the register, they must inform the local authority. It is normal and expected for the LA to then make “informal enquiries” to check that a suitable education is being provided. This is not a problem and not a sign you have done anything wrong. You can reply in writing, usually with a short summary of your educational approach, and you are generally not obliged to meet in person or to let officials into your home. Stay calm, polite and factual, and keep copies of all correspondence.

What about the 2026 law change?

You may have seen worrying headlines. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026. It will introduce a statutory register of children not in school and new local-authority powers. Crucially, these measures are not yet in force and are not expected to take effect before 2027, subject to regulations and consultation. As of today, the process in this guide still applies. Always check the live position on GOV.UK before you act, especially as the register approaches.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Asking for permission. For a mainstream school you are giving notice, not making a request. You do not need anyone’s approval.
• Telling the school verbally and assuming it is done. Always put it in writing and get written confirmation.
• Forgetting the special-school rule. If the LA placed your child in a special school, get their consent first.
• Rushing the next bit. Once deregistered, resist recreating school at home straight away. A period of deschooling, decompressing for both of you, almost always helps.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need permission to deregister my child from school in the UK?

For a mainstream school, no. You give written notice to the head teacher and the school must remove your child from the register. You do not need permission from the school or the local authority. The exception is a special school where the local authority placed your child, in which case you need the LA's consent first.

How do I write a deregistration letter?

Keep it brief and factual: state that you are withdrawing your child to educate them at home from a given date, and ask the school to remove them from the admission register under Regulation 9(1)(f) of the School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024 and to confirm in writing. A full template is included in this guide.

What happens after I deregister my child?

The school removes your child from the register and notifies the local authority, which will usually make informal enquiries to check a suitable education is being provided. This is routine. You can reply in writing with a short summary of your approach and are generally not required to meet in person or admit officials to your home.

Does the 2026 law stop me home educating?

No. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026 and will bring in a register and new powers, but these are not yet in force and are not expected before 2027. The right to home educate and the deregistration process described here currently still apply. Always check GOV.UK for the latest position.

More answers: see our complete UK Home Education FAQ, covering the 20 questions UK parents ask most about home educating.