A Guide for Home-Educated Students: Required Subjects, Exam Obligations, and Optional Choices
- rwcmusic
- Oct 12
- 9 min read
Posted on October 9, 2025 by RWC Education Ltd
If you’re a home-educating parent or a self-directed learner in the UK, one of the most liberating yet confusing aspects of home education (elective home education, or EHE) is figuring out what your child must learn, what exams they have to take, and what’s entirely up to you. The flexibility of home education is a superpower—it lets you tailor learning to your child’s needs, interests, and pace—but it can feel overwhelming without clear guidance. Don’t worry! This comprehensive guide, accurate as of October 2025, breaks it all down for beginners and seasoned home educators alike.
In this post, I’ll explain the legal requirements for subjects in home education, clarify which exams (if any) are mandatory, and highlight optional subjects and exams to consider for future goals like college or careers. Drawing from GOV.UK, exam board guidelines, and insights from home-ed communities like Home Education UK, I’ll make it crystal clear what’s required and what’s your choice. Whether your child is 5 or 16, this guide will help you navigate the UK’s home education landscape with confidence.
Understanding Home Education in the UK: The Legal Basics
Before diving into subjects and exams, let’s start with the foundation. In the UK, home education is legal under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996. This law states that parents must ensure their child receives a full-time education suitable to their age, ability, aptitude, and any special educational needs, from the term after their 5th birthday (compulsory school age) until age 18. The key word here is suitable—it’s deliberately broad, giving you freedom to decide how and what your child learns.
Here’s what this means for subjects and exams:
No Mandatory Curriculum: Unlike schools, which must follow the National Curriculum, home educators don’t have to teach specific subjects or stick to a set structure.
No Required Exams: You’re not legally obligated to have your child sit any exams—SATs, GCSEs, A-Levels, or otherwise.
Local Authority (LA) Oversight: Your LA may check that you’re providing a “suitable” education, often through informal inquiries (e.g., a letter or home visit). You’ll need to show learning progress, but this can be via work samples, diaries, or discussions—no exams needed.
2025 Legislative Note: The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, progressing through Parliament in 2025, may introduce a national EHE register and stricter oversight in cases like safeguarding. However, it doesn’t mandate specific subjects or exams as of October 2025.
For beginners, this flexibility is both exciting and daunting. You’re not locked into teaching algebra or Shakespeare, but you’ll want to ensure your child develops skills for adult life. Let’s break down what’s required, recommended, and optional.
Section 1: Required Subjects for Home-Educated Students
Legally, there are no specific subjects you must teach in home education. The Education Act 1996 doesn’t list mandatory topics like English or Maths. Instead, your responsibility is to provide an education that prepares your child for modern life, tailored to their age, ability, and needs. This could mean focusing on literacy and numeracy for a 7-year-old or life skills and vocational training for a 16-year-old.
What Does “Suitable” Education Mean?
The law expects an education that equips your child with foundational skills and knowledge. Courts and LAs interpret this as including:
Literacy: Reading, writing, and communication skills to function in society (e.g., writing a letter, reading instructions).
Numeracy: Basic maths for everyday tasks (e.g., budgeting, measuring).
Social and Life Skills: Problem-solving, critical thinking, and social awareness (e.g., teamwork, understanding communities).
Adaptability: Preparing for further education, work, or independent living, adjusted to your child’s abilities.
For example:
A 6-year-old might learn literacy through storybooks and numeracy via counting games.
A 12-year-old could explore science through experiments and history via museum visits.
A 16-year-old might focus on career skills like coding or financial literacy.
How to Meet the Requirement
You don’t need a formal curriculum, but you’ll want a plan to show progress if your LA asks. Here’s how:
Document Learning: Keep a folder of work (drawings, essays, photos of projects) or a diary (e.g., “Monday: read a chapter, practiced fractions”).
Mix Subjects Naturally: A trip to the supermarket teaches maths (prices), science (nutrition), and literacy (labels).
Use Free Resources: Platforms like BBC Bitesize or Khan Academy cover core skills (more in Section 4).
Beginner Tip: Start with 1–2 hours daily on literacy and numeracy, then add interests like art or coding. No need to teach every school subject (e.g., geography, PE) unless it suits your child.
Section 2: Required Exams for Home-Educated Students
Here’s the big reveal: There are no legally required exams for home-educated students in the UK. Not SATs, not GCSEs, not A-Levels—nothing. The Education Act 1996 doesn’t mandate any formal assessments. This applies across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland (though regional oversight varies; see Section 5).
Why No Exams Are Required
The law focuses on learning outcomes, not test results. You can prove your child’s education is suitable through:
Work samples (e.g., a written story, math exercises).
Project logs (e.g., a science experiment write-up).
Verbal explanations to your LA (e.g., “We study history via documentaries”).
LAs may ask for evidence annually, but they can’t demand exam results. Even the proposed 2025 Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill doesn’t require exams—it focuses on monitoring EHE provision.
When Might Exams Be Expected?
While not legally required, exams can be expected in specific scenarios:
School Re-Entry: If your child returns to school (e.g., Year 7), they might need to take placement tests or show prior work.
Further Education: Colleges or apprenticeships (post-16) often require GCSEs (at least English and Maths, grade 4+).
University: A-Levels or equivalent quals are standard for uni entry.
If you avoid exams, alternatives like portfolios, Functional Skills, or vocational courses can suffice for many paths.
Beginner Tip: Don’t feel pressured to jump into exams. Focus on learning first; add exams later if needed for goals like university.
Section 3: Optional Subjects and Exams to Consider
While no subjects or exams are legally required, many home educators choose to include certain subjects and exams to prepare for future opportunities or to meet their child’s interests. Below, I’ll outline recommended subjects, optional exams, and why you might choose them, tailored for different age groups.
Recommended Subjects (Optional but Useful)
These subjects aren’t mandatory but align with a “suitable” education and future pathways. You can teach them formally or through real-life activities.
For Ages 5–11 (Primary)
Core Skills:
Literacy: Reading (books, signs), writing (stories, diaries), speaking (discussions). Example: Read The Gruffalo and write a sequel.
Numeracy: Counting, addition/subtraction, shapes, time. Example: Baking to measure ingredients.
Exploratory Subjects:
Science: Nature, experiments (e.g., plant growth, magnetism). Use STEM Learning resources.
Humanities: History (local museums), geography (map skills). Example: Visit a castle for history.
Creative Arts: Drawing, music, drama. Example: Paint landscapes or learn guitar via YouTube.
Physical Activity: Sports, dance, or outdoor play. Example: Weekly park runs.
Life Skills: Cooking, teamwork, problem-solving. Example: Plan a family budget.
Why Include These? Builds a broad foundation, prepares for secondary-level learning, and shows LAs a rounded education.
For Ages 11–16 (Secondary)
Core Skills:
English: Advanced reading, essay writing, comprehension. Example: Analyze a novel.
Maths: Algebra, geometry, statistics. Example: Use Khan Academy for equations.
Science: Biology, chemistry, physics basics. Example: Experiments via BBC Bitesize.
Broader Subjects:
History/Geography: World events, maps, cultures. Example: Study WW2 or climate change.
Languages: French, Spanish, or others (optional for jobs/uni). Example: Duolingo for basics.
ICT/Coding: Computer skills, programming. Example: Code.org for Python.
Vocational/Life Skills: Financial literacy, cooking, or career prep (e.g., CV writing).
Why Include These? Prepares for GCSEs or vocational paths, aligns with college/apprenticeship expectations.
For Ages 16–18 (Post-16)
Academic Focus:
English/Maths: Advanced skills for uni or work. Example: Academic writing or data analysis.
Sciences/Humanities: In-depth study (e.g., biology for medicine, history for law).
Specialized Skills:
Vocational: Business, IT, or creative arts (e.g., BTEC courses).
Career Prep: Interview skills, portfolio building. Example: Create a website for art.
Why Include These? Supports A-Levels, apprenticeships, or uni applications.
Optional Exams: Which to Consider and Why
While no exams are required, they’re useful for formal qualifications. Here’s a detailed look at each, including why you might choose them, how to arrange them, and their relevance.
SATs (Key Stage 1 and 2, Ages 6–11)
What Are They? National Curriculum tests in English (reading, grammar, spelling) and Maths (arithmetic, reasoning) at Year 2 (KS1, ages 6–7) and Year 6 (KS2, ages 10–11). Not qualifications—just progress checks.
Why Take Them? Benchmark against national standards (scaled score 100 = expected). Helpful for:
Tracking progress (e.g., readiness for secondary).
Preparing for 11+ or school re-entry.
How to Arrange:
Find a Centre: Contact local primary schools or adult education centres (rare for SATs). Some home-ed co-ops (e.g., via Education Otherwise) arrange informal sessions. Check JCQ.org.uk for KS2 centres.
Register: By March 2025 for May 12–15 (KS2). Provide child’s name, DOB, subjects. Fee: ~£50–£150 total.
Prepare: Use free GOV.UK past papers (2024 released July) or BBC Bitesize. 3–6 months, 1 hour/day. Example: Practice 45-minute reading paper.
Exam Day: KS2 includes Reading (1hr), Grammar/Spelling (45min), Maths (two 40min papers). Results: July 8, 2025.
Relevance: Low for home-ed—most skip. Useful if planning 11+ or school return.
Cost: £50–£150. Tip: For SEN, request extra time via JCQ form (evidence needed 10 weeks prior). Join “Home Ed Exams UK” on Facebook for centre tips.
11+ Exams (Ages 10–11)
What Are They? Selective tests for grammar school entry, run by local consortia (e.g., GL Assessment, CEM). Cover Maths, English, verbal/non-verbal reasoning. Taken September–October 2025.
Why Take Them? Access to grammar schools (free, selective education). Success rate ~20–30%. Home-ed kids excel with tailored prep.
How to Arrange:
Research: Check LA or school websites (e.g., Kent, Bucks). Register by June/July 2025 (e.g., Bucks: April 30). Fee: £50–£100.
Prepare: 6–12 months, 1 hour/day. Use Bond 11+ books (£5–£10), Atom Learning (£50/month), or free consortium papers. Practice timed mocks.
Register: Apply as an “external candidate” via school/LA. Note home-ed status.
Exam Day: 2–3 hours, multiple papers. Results: October/November. Offers: March 2026.
Relevance: Optional—only for grammar school entry. Alternative: Comprehensive schools accept home-ed records.
Cost: £50–£200 (registration + prep). Tip: Check consortium format (GL/CEM). SEN adjustments (e.g., scribe) need pre-approval.
GCSEs (Ages 14–16)
What Are They? Main qualifications at 16, covering subjects like English, Maths, Sciences, History. iGCSEs (international) are popular for home-ed (less coursework). Taken May/June 2025; November resits (English/Maths, 16+).
Why Take Them? Essential for:
College/apprenticeships (5+ GCSEs, grade 4+).
University (via A-Levels).
Jobs (English/Maths often required).
How to Arrange:
Choose Subjects: 5–8 typical (English, Maths, Sciences core). iGCSEs (Edexcel/Cambridge) suit home-ed.
Prepare: 1–2 years. Free: BBC Bitesize, Oak National Academy. Paid: CGP books (£5–£20), Wolsey Hall courses (£300/subject). Stagger over years (e.g., 3 at 15, 3 at 16).
Find Centre: Use JCQ.org.uk or HE Exams Wiki. Options: local schools (e.g., Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich), private centres (Tutors & Exams, £150–£300/subject). Call by November 2024.
Register: October–January 2025. Provide DOB, subjects, board. Pay £100–£300/subject + admin (£50–£100). Deadline: February 21, 2025.
Exam Day: Multiple papers (e.g., Maths: 1.5hrs). Results: August 2025.
Relevance: Highly recommended for post-16 paths. Alternatives: Functional Skills, BTECs.
Cost: £800–£2,000 (5 subjects). Tip: Join “Home Ed Exams UK” for centre lists. SEN: Apply for extra time via centre.
A-Levels (Ages 16–18)
What Are They? Advanced quals for university, typically 3 subjects (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Maths). Taken May/June 2025.
Why Take Them? Standard for uni entry (e.g., 3 A-Levels at AAB for top unis). Also boosts job prospects.
How to Arrange:
Choose Subjects: Align with uni (e.g., Physics for engineering). Check AQA/Edexcel/OCR syllabuses.
Prepare: 1–2 years. Textbooks (CGP, £20–£40), Integral Maths (free notes), NEC courses (£500–£1,000/subject).
Find Centre: Same as GCSEs. Ensure practical support (e.g., science labs). Tutors & Exams or colleges.
Register: September–January. Fees: £200–£400/subject + admin. NEA (e.g., science practicals) extra.
Exam Day: Multiple papers. Results: August 2025. UCAS via centre.
Relevance: Optional but critical for uni. Alternatives: Access courses, vocational quals.
Cost: £1,000–£3,000 (3 subjects). Tip: Explain home-ed in UCAS personal statement. Use Study Mind for free A-Level tips.
Section 4: Free Resources to Support Learning and Exam Prep
To teach these subjects or prepare for exams, leverage free UK-focused resources:
BBC Bitesize: Lessons/quizzes for ages 4–16 (English, Maths, Sciences, Humanities). Example: GCSE Maths revision.
Oak National Academy: Video lessons for all ages. Great for GCSE prep.
Khan Academy: Maths, science, coding (ages 5–18). Example: Algebra videos.
Twinkl: Free worksheets (phonics to GCSE). Sign up for basics.
EdPlace: English/Maths/Science activities with trackers.
Specialized: Code.org (coding), Reading Eggs (literacy), British Museum (history tours).
Community: “UK Home Education Resources” Facebook group for shared materials.
How to Use: For a 10-year-old, combine BBC Bitesize (Maths/English, 1hr/day) with Twinkl worksheets. For GCSEs, use Oak Academy for structured lessons.
Section 5: Regional Differences in the UK
While subject/exam rules are consistent, oversight varies:
England: No mandatory subjects/exams. LAs monitor; 2025 Bill may add registers.
Scotland: Same flexibility. No deregistration unless in special school. Less LA oversight.
Wales: LAs request education plans; no exam mandates. Stricter monitoring.
Northern Ireland: Submit curriculum to Education and Library Boards. No exam requirements.
Tip: Check “[Your Region] home education” on GOV.UK for specifics.
Final Thoughts: Tailoring Your Home-Ed Journey
The beauty of home education is choice. You’re not legally required to teach specific subjects or take exams, so focus on what suits your child—whether that’s literacy through stories, maths via cooking, or GCSEs for university. Use free resources, join communities like Home Education UK, and plan exams only if they align with goals. Stay updated via GOV.UK for 2025 changes.
What’s your biggest home-ed question? Drop it in the comments!
Sources: GOV.UK, AQA/Edexcel/OCR, Home Education UK, JCQ (2025 guidelines).
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