Looking for free home education resources UK that actually work? You’re in the right place.
When I started home educating three years ago, I nearly went broke buying expensive curriculum packages. Then I discovered you can get an incredible education for FREE.
Not “free with strings attached” or “free trial then pay.” Actually free. Forever.
This guide covers the best free home education resources UK families actually use – from complete online curriculums to brilliant educational websites, printables, activities, and real-world learning opportunities.
Everything here is genuinely free, UK-relevant, and proven to work by thousands of home educating families.
Save your money for trips and experiences. Use these free home education resources UK for the rest.
What’s Covered in This Guide
- → Complete Free Online Curriculums
- → Free Maths Resources UK
- → Free English and Literacy Resources
- → Free Science Resources and Activities
- → Free History and Geography Resources
- → Free Foreign Language Learning
- → Free Art, Music, and Creative Resources
- → Free Coding and Technology
- → Free Real-World Learning Opportunities
- → Resources by Age Group
- → Frequently Asked Questions
Complete Free Online Curriculums
These are full curriculum programs covering multiple subjects. The best free home education resources UK families use every day.
Oak National Academy
Website: thenational.academy
What it is: Complete UK curriculum-aligned video lessons for all subjects, Reception to Year 11.
Subjects covered:
- Maths
- English
- Science
- History
- Geography
- Art
- Computing
- PE
- PSHE
Why it’s brilliant:
- ✓ Follows UK National Curriculum
- ✓ Professional video lessons (10-20 mins each)
- ✓ Includes quizzes and activities
- ✓ Downloadable worksheets
- ✓ Created by actual teachers
- ✓ Completely free, no registration needed
Perfect for: Families who want structure and UK curriculum alignment.
Our Experience:
We use Oak Academy for history and geography. The video lessons are engaging and the worksheets are actually good quality. My 9-year-old can follow them independently.
BBC Bitesize
Website: bbc.co.uk/bitesize
What it is: The BBC’s learning platform covering all subjects, all ages.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ UK-focused content
✓ Engaging videos and activities
✓ Revision guides for exams
✓ Games and interactive content
✓ Regularly updated
Perfect for: Supplementing other resources, exam revision, quick lessons on specific topics.
Khan Academy
Website: khanacademy.org
What it is: Comprehensive maths and science curriculum with practice exercises.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ Self-paced learning
✓ Tracks progress automatically
✓ Explains concepts step-by-step
✓ Unlimited practice problems
✓ Works on any device
Note: US-based but maths is universal. Skip US-specific history.
Perfect for: Maths-focused learning, building strong foundations.
Free Maths Resources UK
The best free home education resources UK for mathematics.
Khan Academy (See Above)
Honestly the best free maths resource available. Comprehensive, self-paced, tracks progress.
White Rose Maths
Website: whiteroseeducation.com/homelearning
What it is: Free maths resources following UK curriculum approach.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ Clear, structured lessons
✓ Video explanations
✓ Printable worksheets
✓ UK curriculum aligned
✓ Mastery approach (depth before breadth)
Mathigon
Website: mathigon.org
What it is: Interactive maths textbook with games and activities.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ Beautiful, engaging design
✓ Interactive manipulatives
✓ Makes maths fun
✓ Covers primary to secondary
Times Tables Rock Stars (Free Version)
Website: ttrockstars.com
What it is: Gamified times tables practice.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ Kids actually WANT to practice
✓ Tracks speed and accuracy
✓ Competitive element (if desired)
✓ Free version available
Nrich Maths
Website: nrich.maths.org
What it is: Mathematical problem-solving activities and challenges.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ Develops mathematical thinking
✓ Rich, challenging problems
✓ All ages
✓ From University of Cambridge
Free English and Literacy Resources
Top free home education resources UK for reading, writing, grammar, and spelling.
Your Local Library
What it is: The single best free resource for literacy.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ Unlimited free books
✓ Often have online ebook/audiobook services
✓ Story time sessions
✓ Summer reading challenges
✓ Study spaces
✓ Home education groups often meet there
Pro tip: Get a library card for every local library you can access. More libraries = more books.
Oxford Owl
Website: oxfordowl.co.uk
What it is: Free ebooks and reading resources from Oxford University Press.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ 100+ free ebooks
✓ Phonics games and activities
✓ Reading advice for parents
✓ Age-appropriate books
Pobble 365
Website: pobble365.com
What it is: Daily image with creative writing prompts.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ Inspiring images
✓ Story starters and questions
✓ Different difficulty levels
✓ New image daily
Phonics Play (Free Resources)
Website: phonicsplay.co.uk
What it is: Phonics games and activities.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ Phase 1-6 phonics covered
✓ Interactive games
✓ Some resources free
✓ Follows UK phonics approach
Project Gutenberg
Website: gutenberg.org
What it is: 70,000+ free classic ebooks.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ All the classics free
✓ No copyright restrictions
✓ Multiple formats
✓ Perfect for older children
Free Science Resources and Activities
Brilliant free home education resources UK for budding scientists.
Science Museum Group Learning
Website: learning.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
What it is: Free science activities and resources from UK Science Museums.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ High-quality STEM activities
✓ Hands-on experiments
✓ Links to real museum objects
✓ Age-appropriate
Explorify
Website: explorify.uk
What it is: Science activities based on fascinating images and videos.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ Engages curiosity
✓ Question-based learning
✓ Primary science topics
✓ Short, manageable activities
Crash Course Kids (YouTube)
Website: YouTube – search “Crash Course Kids”
What it is: Animated science videos for primary age.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ Engaging animations
✓ Clear explanations
✓ 5-minute episodes
✓ Covers physics, biology, chemistry
NASA Kids Club
Website: nasa.gov/kidsclub
What it is: Space science games and activities from NASA.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ Real space science
✓ Interactive games
✓ Amazing images
✓ Inspires wonder
Kitchen Science Experiments
Use what you already have:
- Baking soda + vinegar = chemical reactions
- Water + food coloring = color mixing, density
- Ice + salt = freezing point depression
- Bread + yeast = biology
- Magnifying glass + sunlight = optics (supervision!)
Search YouTube for: “kitchen science experiments kids” – hundreds of free videos.
Free History and Geography Resources
Excellent free home education resources UK for humanities.
Historic England Learning
Website: historicengland.org.uk/education
What it is: UK history resources focusing on buildings and archaeology.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ Local history focus
✓ Hands-on activities
✓ Links to places you can visit
✓ Primary sources
British Museum Learning
Website: britishmuseum.org/learn
What it is: Free resources about world history and cultures.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ World-class museum resources
✓ Ancient civilizations
✓ Cultural studies
✓ Virtual tours
National Geographic Kids
Website: natgeokids.com/uk
What it is: Geography, animals, science, and culture.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ Engaging articles
✓ Amazing photography
✓ Country profiles
✓ Quizzes and games
YouTube History Channels
Best channels:
- Horrible Histories – Clips from BBC show
- Crash Course History – Older kids/teens
- History Bombs – Animated history
- Simple History – Short, clear videos
Free Foreign Language Learning
Top free home education resources UK for languages.
Duolingo
Website/App: duolingo.com
What it is: Gamified language learning app.
Languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and many more.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ Completely free (ads optional to remove)
✓ Fun and engaging
✓ Daily practice in 5-15 minutes
✓ Tracks progress
✓ Kids actually enjoy it
Our Experience:
My 11-year-old uses Duolingo for French every morning. She’s learned more in 6 months than 2 years of primary school French lessons. The streak feature keeps her motivated.
BBC Languages
Website: bbc.co.uk/languages
What it is: Free language courses and resources.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ Multiple languages
✓ Audio and video
✓ Games and activities
✓ UK-produced
Free Art, Music, and Creative Resources
Creative free home education resources UK for artistic kids.
Tate Kids
Website: tate.org.uk/kids
What it is: Art activities and games from Tate galleries.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ Creative challenges
✓ Art history for kids
✓ Interactive games
✓ Virtual tours
Art for Kids Hub (YouTube)
Website: YouTube – search “Art for Kids Hub”
What it is: Step-by-step drawing tutorials.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ Easy to follow
✓ Builds confidence
✓ New videos regularly
✓ Kids feel successful
Chrome Music Lab
Website: musiclab.chromeexperiments.com
What it is: Interactive music experiments.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ Teaches music concepts through play
✓ Create rhythms and melodies
✓ Visual and auditory
✓ No musical knowledge needed
Free Coding and Technology
Essential free home education resources UK for digital skills.
Scratch
Website: scratch.mit.edu
What it is: Visual coding platform for kids.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ No typing required
✓ Create games and animations
✓ Teaches programming concepts
✓ Huge online community
✓ Ages 8+
Code.org
Website: code.org
What it is: Free coding courses for all ages.
Why it’s brilliant:
✓ Structured courses
✓ Ages 4-18+
✓ Game-based learning
✓ Tracks progress
Free Real-World Learning Opportunities
The best free home education resources UK are often outside the house.
Free Museum Entry
Major UK museums with free entry:
- Natural History Museum, London
- Science Museum, London
- British Museum, London
- National Gallery, London
- Tate Modern/Britain, London
- V&A Museum, London
- National Museum Scotland, Edinburgh
- National Museum Wales, Cardiff
- Plus hundreds of regional museums
Pro tip: Many regional museums are also free. Check your local council website.
Nature Study (Completely Free)
Activities:
- Nature journals (draw what you see)
- Leaf identification
- Bird watching
- Cloud identification
- Seasonal changes observation
- Bug hunting
- Plant pressing
Cost: £0. Just go outside.
Local Library Events
Free activities often include:
- Story time
- Craft sessions
- Summer reading challenges
- Author visits
- STEM activities
- Holiday programs
YouTube University
Free channels for learning:
- Crash Course – All subjects, older kids
- SciShow Kids – Science for younger children
- National Geographic – Nature and geography
- TED-Ed – Educational animations
- Free School – All subjects, UK-focused
Resources by Age Group
Best free home education resources UK organized by age.
Ages 5-7 (Key Stage 1)
Start with:
- Oak National Academy (Maths, English)
- Oxford Owl (Reading)
- Phonics Play (Phonics games)
- BBC Bitesize (All subjects)
- YouTube (educational channels)
- Local library (books and activities)
Focus: Reading, basic maths, lots of play and outdoor learning.
Ages 8-10 (Key Stage 2)
Add:
- Khan Academy (Maths)
- White Rose Maths
- Crash Course Kids (Science)
- Scratch (Coding)
- Duolingo (Languages)
- Museum visits
- Project-based learning
Focus: Building independence, following interests, broadening subjects.
Ages 11-14 (Key Stage 3)
Add:
- Khan Academy (Science, Maths)
- BBC Bitesize (Exam prep)
- Crash Course (History, Science)
- Code.org (Advanced coding)
- YouTube educational channels
- Project Gutenberg (Classic literature)
Focus: More independent learning, preparing for GCSEs if taking them.
Ages 14-16 (GCSE Years)
Add:
- BBC Bitesize (Revision)
- Seneca Learning (Revision platform)
- Past papers (exam board websites)
- YouTube revision channels
- Oak Academy (GCSE courses)
Focus: Exam preparation if taking GCSEs, or continuing broad education if not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really home educate for free in the UK?
Yes, absolutely. With Oak National Academy, Khan Academy, BBC Bitesize, your local library, and the free resources listed in this guide, you can provide a comprehensive education without spending anything. Many families home educate on budgets under £100 per year by using primarily free resources and saving money for trips and experiences.
Are free resources as good as paid curriculum?
Often yes. Oak Academy is created by qualified UK teachers and follows the National Curriculum. Khan Academy is used by millions worldwide. The quality of free online education has improved dramatically in recent years. The main difference is that paid curriculums may be more convenient (everything in one place) but free resources can provide equally good education if you’re willing to curate them yourself.
What’s the single best free resource for home education UK?
Your local library. Free books, often free ebooks and audiobooks, educational activities, quiet study space, and many home education groups meet there. For online resources, Oak National Academy is the most comprehensive free UK curriculum available, covering all subjects Reception to Year 11 with video lessons and worksheets.
Do I need to register or pay for Oak National Academy?
No. Oak National Academy is completely free with no registration required. You can access all video lessons, quizzes, and downloadable resources without creating an account or paying anything. It was created during COVID-19 and remains free for all UK families.
Are there free resources for GCSE preparation?
Yes. BBC Bitesize has comprehensive GCSE revision for all subjects. Seneca Learning is free and excellent for GCSE revision. Past papers are available free from exam board websites (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). Oak Academy has GCSE courses. YouTube has countless revision channels. You’ll need to pay exam entry fees (£100-150 per subject) but revision materials can be entirely free.
Can I access free resources without internet?
Some yes, some no. Your library provides books with no internet needed. You can download worksheets and printables when you have internet, then use them offline. Some apps like Duolingo work offline after downloading lessons. Khan Academy has offline features. But most video-based resources (Oak Academy, BBC Bitesize) require internet access. If internet access is limited, focus on library books, downloaded printables, and offline activities.
Where can I find free printable worksheets UK curriculum?
Sparklebox.co.uk has free UK curriculum worksheets. Twinkl has a free resources section (plus free trial). Teachers Pay Teachers has free resources (filter by free, check for UK/US differences). Oak Academy lessons include downloadable worksheets. Activity Village has free printables. White Rose Maths has free downloadable worksheets. Search “[subject] [year group] free worksheets UK” for more options.
Are there free home education groups I can join?
Yes, thousands of free home education groups exist across the UK. Search Facebook for “[Your Area] Home Education” or “Home Ed [Your County]”. These groups organize free park meet-ups, museum trips, skill shares, and social events. Many also have WhatsApp groups for daily support. Your local library may also host home education groups or know of local groups meeting regularly.
You Don’t Need Money to Provide a Great Education
Three years ago, I thought I’d need thousands of pounds to home educate properly. I was wrong.
These free home education resources UK have given my daughters an education as good as – often better than – what expensive curriculums provide.
What we actually spend money on:
- Museum trips (travel costs, food)
- Swimming lessons (£6/week)
- Occasional workbooks when we want them (£5-8 each)
- Art supplies (paint, paper, glue)
- One curriculum subscription we actually like (Mathseeds, £10/month)
Total: £30-50 per month
Everything else? Free.
The internet has democratized education. A child with a library card and internet access has access to better educational resources than royalty had 100 years ago.
Use these free resources. Save your money for experiences, trips, and the occasional paid resource that genuinely adds value.
You don’t need money to home educate well. You just need to know where to look.
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