Wondering how to start home education UK? You’re not alone.
Starting home education feels overwhelming at first. I know because I’ve been there. One minute your child is in school, the next you’re responsible for their entire education.
The good news? Learning how to start home education UK is simpler than you think. You don’t need teaching qualifications, a massive budget, or a perfectly planned curriculum from day one.
This complete guide shows you exactly how to start home education UK – legally, practically, and without losing your mind in the process.
I’ve been home educating my two girls for three years. Here’s everything I wish someone had told me when I was figuring out how to start home education UK.
What’s Covered in This Guide
- → Is Home Education Legal in the UK?
- → Do I Need Teaching Qualifications?
- → How to Deregister from School
- → What Does Home Education Cost?
- → Choosing Your Approach and Curriculum
- → Your First Week: What to Actually Do
- → Dealing with the Local Authority
- → Creating Structure (Without Being a School)
- → The Socialization Question
- → Common Mistakes to Avoid
- → Free Resources to Get Started
- → Frequently Asked Questions
Is Home Education Legal in the UK?
Yes. Home education in the UK is completely legal.
The law is simple: education is compulsory, but school is not.
Under the Education Act 1996, parents have a legal right to educate their children at home. You don’t need permission from anyone – not the school, not the Local Authority, not the government.
What the Law Says:
“The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him to receive efficient full-time education suitable to his age, ability and aptitude, and to any special educational needs he may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.”
That “or otherwise” is home education.
Do I Need to Follow the National Curriculum?
No. You’re not required to follow the National Curriculum, teach specific subjects, or stick to school hours.
You only need to provide an education that’s:
- Efficient – achieving what it sets out to achieve
- Full-time – suitable in quality and quantity
- Suitable – appropriate for your child’s age, ability, aptitude, and needs
What this looks like in practice? That’s up to you.
Do I Need Teaching Qualifications?
No. You don’t need any qualifications to home educate in the UK.
Not a teaching degree. Not a PGCE. Not even GCSEs.
Legally, any parent or carer can home educate. What matters is that you’re providing suitable education – not that you’re a qualified teacher.
But What If I’m Not “Smart Enough”?
This is the fear everyone has. I had it too.
Here’s the reality: You’re not expected to know everything. You’re expected to facilitate learning.
That means:
- Using online resources (Oak Academy, Khan Academy, BBC Bitesize)
- Going to the library
- Watching educational videos together
- Finding tutors for subjects you can’t teach (if needed)
- Learning alongside your child
My maths is terrible. My eldest uses Khan Academy for maths and I just check she’s doing it. She’s thriving.
How to Deregister from School
If your child is currently in school, you need to deregister them before starting home education.
The Process (It’s Simple)
Step 1: Write to the headteacher
Send a short letter stating you’re withdrawing your child to home educate. That’s it.
Sample Deregistration Letter:
Dear [Headteacher Name],
I am writing to inform you that I am withdrawing [Child’s Name] from [School Name] with effect from [Date].
I will be providing home education as per my legal right under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996.
Please remove [Child’s Name] from the school register and confirm receipt of this letter.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
Step 2: The school removes your child from the register
By law, the school must remove your child once they receive your letter. They cannot refuse or delay.
Step 3: The school notifies the Local Authority
The school is legally required to inform the LA that your child has been deregistered for home education.
Step 4: The Local Authority may contact you
Your LA might write asking about your educational provision. You’re not legally required to respond, but most people do. (More on this below.)
Important Exceptions
You cannot simply deregister if:
- Your child attends a special school (you need LA permission)
- Your child has an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) – you need LA agreement to remove the school placement
- Your child is under a School Attendance Order
For these situations, you need to work with the Local Authority first.
What If My Child Has Never Been to School?
Even easier. You don’t need to deregister – just don’t register them for school in the first place.
The Local Authority may contact you when your child reaches compulsory school age (the term after they turn 5). Simply inform them you’re home educating.
What Does Home Education Cost?
Honest answer? It varies wildly.
Some families spend £50 per year. Others spend £5,000+.
Breakdown of Typical Costs:
Low Budget Home Education (£50-300/year)
- Resources: Free online programs (Oak Academy, Khan Academy, BBC Bitesize)
- Books: Library + occasional workbooks (£20-50)
- Activities: Free museums, parks, nature walks
- Materials: Basic stationery (£30)
Total: £50-300/year
Mid Budget Home Education (£500-1500/year)
- All of the above, plus:
- Curriculum: Workbooks, online subscriptions (£200-400)
- Activities: Paid classes (swimming, music, sport) (£200-600)
- Trips: Entry fees to attractions (£100-300)
- Resources: Educational games, science kits (£100-200)
Total: £500-1,500/year
Higher Budget Home Education (£2000-5000+/year)
- All of the above, plus:
- Tutors: £30-50/hour for specialist subjects (£500-2000)
- Premium curriculum: Complete programs (£300-800)
- Regular classes: Multiple weekly activities (£1000-2000)
- Equipment: Laptops, tablets, microscopes (£500-1000)
Total: £2,000-5,000+/year
Hidden Costs to Consider
- Lost income: One parent usually reduces work hours
- Increased utilities: Being home all day
- Transport: Trips, classes, meet-ups
Choosing Your Approach and Curriculum
This is where most people get stuck. There are SO many options.
Main Home Education Approaches:
1. Structured/School-at-Home
Following a set curriculum with timetables, subjects, and regular assessments.
Pros: Clear structure, easy to track progress, reassuring for nervous parents
Cons: Can feel rigid, requires more planning, child might resist “more school”
Best for: Kids who thrive on routine, parents who want clear guidelines
2. Semi-Structured/Eclectic
Mix of formal lessons for core subjects (maths, English) plus child-led learning for everything else.
Pros: Balance of structure and flexibility, adaptable, sustainable long-term
Cons: Requires more planning, can feel inconsistent at first
Best for: Most families (this is what we do)
3. Unschooling/Child-Led
Following the child’s interests completely. No formal lessons, no set curriculum.
Pros: Child stays motivated, natural learning, flexible, low stress
Cons: Requires confidence, harder to evidence for LA, gaps in knowledge can emerge
Best for: Self-motivated children, confident parents, younger kids
Recommended Curriculums for Beginners:
Free Options:
- Oak National Academy – Video lessons following UK curriculum, completely free
- Khan Academy – Excellent for maths and science
- BBC Bitesize – All subjects, UK-focused
- Duolingo – Free language learning
Paid Options (Worth It):
- Reading Eggs/Mathseeds (£10-15/month) – Brilliant for primary age
- CGP Workbooks (£5-8 each) – UK curriculum aligned, clear structure
- Twinkl (£5-10/month) – Massive resource library
My Honest Recommendation:
Start with mostly free resources for the first 3 months. Oak Academy for video lessons, library books for reading, and one or two CGP workbooks for structure.
See what works before investing hundreds in a curriculum you might hate.
Your First Week: What to Actually Do
The first week is the hardest. You’ll feel lost. That’s normal.
Week 1 Schedule (Keep It Simple)
Monday: Deschool Day
- Sleep in if you want
- Go to the library, get books
- Talk about what home education will look like
- Watch an educational documentary together
Goal: Decompress from school. No pressure.
Tuesday: Explore Interests
- Let your child choose what to learn about
- Watch YouTube videos on their topic
- Do a simple project or craft
- Visit a museum or park
Goal: Rediscover joy in learning.
Wednesday: Try Some Structure
- 1 hour: Maths (workbook or Khan Academy)
- 30 minutes: Reading time
- 1 hour: Topic work (science, history, geography)
- Afternoon: Free play, outdoor time
Goal: Test what structure feels comfortable.
Thursday: Get Out of the House
- Find a local home ed group meet-up
- Go to a park and do nature study
- Visit a free museum
- Swimming or other physical activity
Goal: Socialization + real-world learning.
Friday: Review and Plan
- Light learning day
- Discuss what worked this week
- Plan next week together
- Celebrate the first week!
Goal: Reflection and adjustment.
Dealing with the Local Authority
This causes the most anxiety. Let me demystify it.
What the Local Authority Can (and Can’t) Do
They CAN:
- Contact you to ask about your educational provision
- Request information in writing
- Ask to visit (you can refuse)
- Issue a School Attendance Order if they believe education is unsuitable
They CANNOT:
- Force you to follow the National Curriculum
- Demand access to your home
- Require your child to take tests
- Insist on seeing your child alone
- Force you to respond to every inquiry
Should I Engage with the LA?
This is controversial in the home ed community.
Some families: Refuse all contact (legally allowed)
Most families: Provide written reports annually
Some families: Welcome visits and ongoing contact
My approach: Provide an annual written report, decline visits unless necessary.
What to Include in a Report to the LA
Simple Report Template:
Educational Philosophy: Brief description of your approach
Curriculum/Resources: What you’re using
Subjects Covered: List main areas (English, maths, science, etc.)
Activities: Trips, classes, projects
Progress: What your child has learned/achieved
Socialization: Groups, classes, friends
Photos: Optional but helpful – show work samples, activities
Keep it factual, positive, and confident. You’re proving education is happening – not asking permission.
Creating Structure (Without Being a School)
You need some structure. But not school structure.
The Flexible Routine
Here’s what works for us (girls aged 10 and 12):
Morning (9am-12pm)
- 9am: Breakfast, get dressed, ready for the day
- 9:30am: Maths (30-45 minutes)
- 10:15am: English/Reading (30-45 minutes)
- 11am: Break/snack/outdoor time
- 11:30am: Topic work (science, history, geography) or project
Afternoon (12pm-3pm)
- 12pm: Lunch
- 1pm: Free learning (art, crafts, building, reading, screen time)
- 2pm: Outing OR online class OR free play
Total “formal” learning: 2-3 hours per day
That’s enough. More than enough for primary age.
Important: Flexibility Is Your Superpower
Bad day? Skip formal work, go to the park instead.
Child obsessed with dinosaurs? Spend the whole week on dinosaurs.
Rainy Tuesday? Build a blanket fort and read for three hours.
This flexibility is WHY home education works.
The Socialization Question
“But what about socialization?”
You’ll hear this A LOT. Here’s the reality:
Home Educated Kids Get PLENTY of Socialization
Through:
- Home ed groups: Weekly meet-ups, park days, trips
- Classes: Swimming, dance, music, sports, drama
- Clubs: Scouts, Brownies, youth groups, hobby clubs
- Community: Library groups, volunteering, religious groups
- Neighbors & family: Play dates, cousins, friends
Finding Home Ed Groups
Search Facebook for:
- “Home education [your area]”
- “Homeschool [your county]”
- “Elective home education [your region]”
Join 3-5 groups. Attend meet-ups. You’ll find your people.
Honest Truth:
My kids socialize MORE now than in school. In school, they sat in rows and couldn’t talk. Now they have genuine friendships across different ages, interests, and backgrounds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Trying to Do Too Much at Once
Don’t buy 10 curriculums, join 5 classes, and plan every day for 6 months.
Instead: Start minimal. Add gradually.
2. Recreating School at Home
Desks, timetables, subjects, bells. If you wanted school, you’d have kept them there.
Instead: Use your kitchen table, keep it flexible, follow interests.
3. Comparing to School Progress
“She should be doing Year 4 work!” “He’s behind where he’d be in school!”
Instead: Compare to THEIR OWN progress. That’s all that matters.
4. Not Joining the Community
Home education can be isolating if you stay home all the time.
Instead: Join groups, make friends, get out of the house.
5. Worrying About GCSEs From Day One
If your child is 6, you don’t need to plan for GCSEs yet.
Instead: Focus on now. Exams can be figured out later.
Free Resources to Get Started Today
Curriculum & Learning:
- Oak National Academy – Free video lessons, UK curriculum
- Khan Academy – Maths and science, free
- BBC Bitesize – All subjects, UK-focused
- Crash Course (YouTube) – Older kids, excellent science/history
Support & Community:
- Education Otherwise – UK home education charity
- Home Education UK – Resources and support
- Facebook: Search “[Your Area] Home Education”
Free Days Out:
- Most UK museums are free (Natural History, Science Museum, etc.)
- National Trust (free if you’re a member)
- Local libraries (free activities and books)
- Parks, nature reserves, beaches
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start home education mid-year?
Yes! You can start home education at any point during the school year. Simply deregister your child and start immediately. There’s no need to wait for the end of term or academic year.
Do I need to register with the Local Authority?
No. There’s no home education register in the UK (yet). If you deregister from school, the school notifies the LA. If your child never attended school, the LA may contact you when they reach school age, but registration is not required.
How many hours should I teach per day?
There’s no set requirement. Most home educators do 2-4 hours of “formal” learning for primary age children, plus informal learning throughout the day. Quality matters more than quantity – 2 focused hours at home often equals a full school day of learning.
Can my child go back to school later?
Yes, absolutely. Home education is not permanent. You can re-enroll your child in school at any time by applying for a school place. Many families home educate for a few years then return to school, or vice versa.
What about GCSEs and exams?
Home educated children can sit GCSEs and A-Levels as private candidates. You’ll need to find an exam centre that accepts private candidates and pay the exam fees (typically £100-150 per GCSE). Many home educators wait until age 16 and take functional skills qualifications or go straight to college instead.
Can I work and home educate?
Yes, but it requires planning. Options include: working from home while child learns independently, working evenings/weekends, part-time work, flexi-schooling arrangements, or having another adult (partner, grandparent, tutor) supervise learning some days. Older children (11+) can work more independently.
What if the Local Authority says no?
The Local Authority cannot say “no” to home education – it’s your legal right. They can only intervene if they have evidence that education is NOT suitable. If you receive a School Attendance Order, seek advice from Education Otherwise or other support organizations immediately.
How long should I try it before deciding if it works?
Give it at least 3-6 months. The first month is adjustment period (“deschooling”). Month 2-3 you find your rhythm. By month 6 you’ll know if it’s working for your family. Don’t judge success by the first chaotic weeks.
Ready to Start?
Starting home education in the UK is simpler than you think.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need the perfect curriculum or a detailed plan for the next 10 years.
You just need to:
- ✓ Deregister (if currently in school)
- ✓ Choose a basic approach
- ✓ Gather a few free resources
- ✓ Start with one simple day
- ✓ Adjust as you go
Three years ago, I had no idea what I was doing. I was terrified. I nearly gave up in week two.
Now? It’s the best decision we ever made.
The first few weeks are messy. Then it clicks. And suddenly you’re three months in thinking “Why didn’t we do this sooner?”
You can do this. I promise.
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