Complete Guide to Home Education in the UK

rwcmusic
Oct 9
11 min read

Updated: Oct 14

Your Guide to Home Education in the UK

By RWC Education Ltd Published: October 2025

Introduction: Why Home Education?
Chapter 1: Starting Home Education
Chapter 2: Funding Options
Chapter 3: Getting an EHCP
Chapter 4: Exams for Home-Educated Children
Chapter 5: Free Learning Resources
Chapter 6: Key Tips for Parents
Chapter 7: Overcoming Common Challenges
Conclusion: Your Child’s Future
Appendix A: Sample Weekly Plan
Appendix B: Regional Differences in the UK
Resources

Introduction: Why Home Education?

Welcome to Your Guide to Home Education in the UK, a beginner-friendly handbook for parents taking their first steps into home education, or elective home education (EHE). If you’re feeling overwhelmed, curious, or unsure where to start, this guide is for you. As of October 2025, over 100,000 children are home educated in England, with numbers growing across the UK due to reasons like special needs, bullying, or a desire for personalized learning. Home education lets you tailor your child’s education to their unique needs, interests, and pace—without needing to be a qualified teacher or follow a rigid school model.

This eBook is designed for absolute beginners. We’ll explain every step, from legal requirements to funding, special needs support, exams, and free resources, all accurate as of October 2025. You’ll also find practical tips, a new chapter on overcoming challenges, and tools like sample plans and regional guidance. Whether your child is 5 or 15, struggling in school or thriving at home, this guide will help you build a confident start. Let’s dive in!

Chapter 1: Starting Home Education

Home education is a legal, flexible way to educate your child outside school. It’s not about recreating a classroom—it’s about creating a learning environment that suits your family. With over 100,000 UK families doing it in 2025, you’re in good company.

What is Home Education?

Unlike school, home education (EHE) lets you decide how, what, and when your child learns. Some families use structured timetables with textbooks; others follow “unschooling,” where learning happens through real-life activities (e.g., baking to teach fractions). You can mix approaches—say, formal maths lessons and child-led history projects. It works for ages 5 (compulsory school age in England) to 18, and no teaching qualifications are needed.

Legal Requirements Explained

Under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, parents must ensure their child receives an efficient, full-time education suitable to their age, ability, aptitude, and special needs—either at school or at home. Here’s what that means:

“Suitable” Education. This is flexible: it should prepare your child for modern life with skills like literacy, numeracy, and social awareness. For a 6-year-old, it might be story-based learning; for a 14-year-old, it could include coding or vocational skills. You don’t need to follow the National Curriculum, teach set hours, or give tests.
Deregistration Process. If your child is in a mainstream school, send a letter to the headteacher: “Dear [Headteacher], I am educating [Child’s Name, DOB] at home from [Date]. Please remove them from the roll and inform the local authority.” No permission is needed, and the school notifies the local authority (LA). For special schools, you must get LA consent first. If your child isn’t in school (e.g., under 5), no action is needed.
Local Authority Role. LAs check you’re providing a suitable education, often via a letter, call, or home visit. You’re not required to meet them or follow their advice unless concerns arise. If the LA thinks your education isn’t suitable, they may issue a School Attendance Order, but this is rare if you provide evidence like work samples or diaries. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill (progressing in 2025) may introduce mandatory EHE registers and consent for some cases (e.g., safeguarding issues). Check GOV.UK for updates.
Flexi-Schooling. Some schools allow part-time attendance (e.g., 3 days school, 2 days home), but it’s their choice. Ask your headteacher in writing.

Getting Started: A Beginner’s Checklist

Understand Your Why. Reflect on why you’re choosing EHE—special needs, bullying, flexibility? This guides your approach. Example: If your child loves art, include creative projects.
Explore Approaches. Try structured (school-like schedules), semi-structured (mix of lessons and projects), or unschooling (learning through interests). For a 7-year-old, start with 1-2 hours daily on reading/maths, plus play. For teens, add subjects like history or science via online courses.
Join Communities. Find support via Home Education UK (website and 50,000+ member Facebook group) or Education Otherwise. Attend local meetups for advice and friendships. Example: A parent in Bristol found weekly park playdates through a local group.
Gather Basic Tools. You need minimal supplies: a laptop/tablet, internet, notebooks, and library access. Free resources (Chapter 5) cover most subjects.
Start Small. Begin with 1-2 subjects to avoid overwhelm. Example: A 10-year-old might do 30 minutes of maths (Khan Academy) and 30 minutes of reading daily, plus a museum trip weekly.

Mistake to Avoid: Don’t try to mimic school exactly—it’s too rigid. If your child resists, pause and try a fun project (e.g., building a birdhouse for science).

Chapter 2: Funding Options

Home education requires some investment—think books, subscriptions, or exam fees—but costs can be low with planning. In 2025, there’s no blanket government funding for EHE, but specific options exist. Here’s how to navigate them.

Who Can Get Funding?

General Home Education. No automatic funding. Parents typically spend £500–£2,000 yearly per child, covering resources (e.g., £50 for books) and exams (£100–£300 per subject). Costs vary: unschooling with free resources is cheaper than structured curricula.
Special Educational Needs (SEN). An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) can fund therapies, tutors, or equipment for home education. Funding ranges from £1,000 to over £10,000 annually, depending on needs (e.g., speech therapy for autism).
14–16 Year Olds. Some further education colleges offer free part-time courses (e.g., vocational skills like mechanics) for home-educated teens. Funded by the government, but availability depends on the college.
16–19 Year Olds. Free education via colleges, apprenticeships, or traineeships for UK residents not in school. Includes academic (A-levels) or vocational programs.
Charity Grants. Organizations like Family Fund (for disabled children) or Turn2us offer one-off grants (e.g., £200–£500) for low-income families to buy laptops or books. Some LAs provide small bursaries, but they’re uncommon.

How to Secure Funding

EHCP Funding. After getting an EHCP (Chapter 3), request a “personal budget” from your LA’s SEN team. This might be direct payments, LA-arranged services, or third-party managed funds. Submit a plan showing how funds meet your child’s needs (e.g., “£2,000 for a dyslexia tutor”). Contact your LA via their website or call their SEN office.
College Programs (14–16). Search GOV.UK for local colleges or call directly. Ask: “Do you offer funded places for home-educated 14–16-year-olds?” Provide proof of EHE (e.g., LA letter) and apply by their deadlines. Example: A teen might study GCSE Maths for free.
16–19 Funding. Apply through colleges or apprenticeship providers listed on GOV.UK. Verify eligibility (UK residency, no full-time school). No fees for approved courses, but you may cover travel.
Charity Grants. Visit turn2us.org.uk to search grants. For Family Fund, apply online with income details and your child’s needs (e.g., disability diagnosis). Processing takes 3–6 months. Check local charities via your LA.

Tips for Beginners:

Create a budget: £100/month for resources, £500/year for exams.
Save by using libraries, second-hand books (Facebook Marketplace), and free apps.
No free school meals or transport for EHE, so factor in food/travel costs.
If funding is denied, appeal via the LA’s complaints process or contact IPSEA.

Chapter 3: Getting an EHCP

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children with significant special educational needs (SEN), like autism or physical disabilities, up to age 25. It’s a lifeline for funding support like therapies or tutors at home.

Who is Eligible?

Your child qualifies if their needs exceed what schools typically provide (e.g., extra SEN support). Examples: a child with severe dyslexia needing one-on-one tutoring, or a teen with autism requiring social skills therapy. If your child struggles significantly with learning, behavior, or physical tasks, an EHCP may apply.

Step-by-Step Application

The process takes up to 20 weeks but can be delayed due to 2025 backlogs.

Collect Evidence. Gather medical reports (e.g., from a GP or pediatrician), school records (if applicable), or therapist notes. Write a parent statement: “My child struggles with [specific issue, e.g., reading due to dyslexia] and needs [e.g., specialized tutoring].” If you lack reports, ask your GP for a referral.
Submit a Request. Write to your LA’s SEN team (find contacts on your council website): “I request an EHC needs assessment for [Child’s Name, DOB] due to [needs].” Email or post with evidence. You, your child (16+), or professionals can apply.
LA Assessment. Within 6 weeks, the LA decides if an assessment is needed. If approved, they consult experts (e.g., educational psychologists) and may visit your home.
Draft Plan. By week 16, you receive a draft EHCP listing needs, goals, and support (e.g., “Weekly speech therapy”). Review it and suggest edits within 15 days.
Final Plan. Issued by week 20, it legally binds the LA to provide support. For home ed, this might mean funding for tutors or equipment.
Appeals. If rejected, appeal to the SEND Tribunal (free). IPSEA offers templates; 95% of well-evidenced appeals succeed.

Tips for Beginners:

Be detailed: List every challenge (e.g., “Can’t write due to motor issues”).
Contact IPSEA for free advice or use their online checklist.
If home educating, stress why school isn’t suitable (e.g., anxiety). LAs may push school placements, but you can argue for home-based support.

Chapter 4: Exams for Home-Educated Children

Exams aren’t required, but they’re useful for college, university, or jobs. As a beginner, you might not know what SATS, 11+, or GCSEs are or how to arrange them. Here’s a clear guide.

Types of Exams

SATS (Key Stage 1 and 2). Tests at ages 7 (KS1) and 11 (KS2) in English, maths, and science. They’re school-based, not qualifications, so most home educators skip them. If you want to gauge progress, contact a local school to arrange as a private candidate (fees may apply, ~£50).
11+ Exams. Tests for grammar school entry at age 11, covering maths, English, and reasoning (verbal/non-verbal). Optional for home ed kids aiming for selective schools. Check your LA or school’s website for deadlines (often autumn).
GCSEs. Main qualifications at age 16 in subjects like English, maths, science. They’re standard for jobs or further education. Home-educated kids take them as private candidates. iGCSEs (international GCSEs) are popular for less coursework.

Arranging GCSEs

Choose Subjects. Start with 5-8 GCSEs (English, maths, sciences are common). Example: A 15-year-old might take English, Maths, Biology, and History over two years.
Select Exam Boards. AQA, Edexcel, or OCR—check syllabuses on their websites. iGCSEs (Cambridge/Edexcel) suit home ed due to fewer practicals. Example: Edexcel iGCSE Maths has no coursework.
Find a Centre. Use the British Council or exam board finders to locate schools, colleges, or private centres. Call 6–12 months ahead (by November for May/June exams). Fees: £100–£300 per subject; sciences with practicals cost more. Check if centres offer practical endorsements (needed for science GCSEs).
Prepare and Register. Study via free resources (Chapter 5), books, or courses like National Extension College (NEC, ~£500/subject). Register by centre deadlines, provide ID, and pay fees. Exams run May/June; resits in November.

Alternatives: Functional Skills (basic English/maths for jobs) or vocational quals (e.g., BTECs) if GCSEs aren’t right.

Tips for Beginners:

Plan 1-2 years ahead; GCSE prep takes 1-2 years.
Join Facebook groups like “Home Ed Exams UK” for centre tips.
Budget early—£1,000 could cover 5 GCSEs.

Chapter 5: Free Learning Resources

You don’t need expensive curricula—free UK-focused resources cover all subjects for ages 4–18. Here’s a curated list with how to use each.

BBC Bitesize. Lessons, videos, quizzes for primary to GCSE (ages 4–16) in English, maths, science, history, geography. How to use: Search by key stage (e.g., KS2 for ages 7–11); use daily for 30-minute lessons. Example: Interactive science quizzes for a 12-year-old.
Oak National Academy. Free online classroom with video lessons and worksheets for all ages. Ideal for structured learning—follow weekly plans like a virtual school. Example: KS3 English lessons for a 13-year-old.
Khan Academy. Global platform with videos/exercises in maths, science, coding. Ages 5–18; create a free account to track progress. Great for self-paced learning, e.g., algebra for teens.
Twinkl (Free Section). Worksheets, activities for early years to KS4 (4–16). Sign up for free access; printables for phonics, maths, or history projects. Example: Dinosaur-themed worksheets for a 6-year-old.
EdPlace. Activities in English, maths, science with progress trackers. Ages 4–16; parents monitor via dashboards. Example: Daily 10-minute maths tasks for a 9-year-old.
Specialized Platforms. Code.org (coding for all ages); Reading Eggs (literacy games for 3–13); British Museum online (virtual history/art tours); STEM Learning (science experiments, e.g., building a circuit).
Community Resources. Facebook groups like “UK Home Education Resources” share free worksheets, Zoom classes, and book swaps. Search “home education [your area]” for local groups.

How to Use: For a 7-year-old, start with BBC Bitesize for maths/English (1 hour/day) and Reading Eggs for fun (30 minutes). For a 14-year-old, combine Oak Academy for GCSE prep and Khan for coding. Visit eParenting.co.uk for more lists.

Chapter 6: Key Tips for Parents

Home education is rewarding but comes with challenges. Here are practical tips for beginners.

Socialization. Worried about friends? Join local EHE groups for playdates or co-ops (shared lessons). Example: Weekly park meetups or museum trips via Home Education UK. Libraries, scouts, or sports clubs also help.
Mental Health. Monitor stress for you and your child. Use NHS mental health services or YoungMinds (free helpline). Take breaks; try apps like Headspace for mindfulness. Example: A 10-minute family yoga session daily.
Transitions. Want to return to school? Contact your LA or schools for places—possible anytime. For post-16, GCSEs open doors to college or apprenticeships. Start career talks at 14.
Legislation. The 2025 Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill may add EHE registers or oversight. Check GOV.UK monthly and join advocacy groups like Education Otherwise.
Budgeting. Plan for £500–£2,000/year. List costs (books, exams) in a spreadsheet; use apps like MoneyHub. Save with libraries and free apps.
SEN Support. For disabilities, Scope offers free advice and hotlines. Join SEN home ed groups on Facebook for tailored tips.

Extra Tips:

Deschooling. After leaving school, take 1–3 months to relax and rediscover learning. Example: Explore museums instead of worksheets.
Record-Keeping. Save photos, diaries, or work samples for LA checks. Use a folder or Google Drive.
Build Confidence. Celebrate small wins, like your child reading a new book. Join forums to share successes.

Chapter 7: Overcoming Common Challenges

New home educators face hurdles. Here’s how to tackle them with beginner-friendly strategies.

Fear of “Doing It Wrong”

Challenge: Worrying you’re not qualified or your child will “fall behind.”
Solution: You don’t need a degree—your care and effort are enough. Focus on basics (reading, maths) and let interests guide the rest. Compare progress yearly, not to school peers. Example: A 9-year-old might read slower but excel in science projects.

Time Management

Challenge: Balancing home ed with work or chores.
Solution: Create a loose schedule (see Appendix A). Start with 2 hours daily; use evenings/weekends if busy. Involve kids in chores for life skills. Example: Plan maths at 10 AM, then cooking (maths/science) at noon.

Social Isolation

Challenge: Your child missing friends or you feeling alone.
Solution: Join EHE groups ASAP—online or local. Attend one event weekly (e.g., park meetups). Kids can join clubs (swimming, drama). Parents, connect via forums or coffee meetups.

Dealing with Criticism

Challenge: Family or friends questioning your choice.
Solution: Explain your reasons calmly: “It suits [Child’s Name]’s needs.” Share successes (e.g., “They learned fractions baking!”). Join EHE groups for support. Avoid debates—focus on your child.

Burnout

Challenge: Feeling overwhelmed by planning or teaching.
Solution: Take breaks (a day off weekly). Use ready-made resources like Oak Academy. Delegate tasks (e.g., older kids self-study). Seek mental health support if needed.

Tip: Keep a journal to track progress—it boosts confidence when you feel stuck.

Conclusion: Your Child’s Future

Home education is a journey of discovery. You’re giving your child a tailored education, whether it’s mastering GCSEs or exploring passions like music. Use this guide to navigate laws, secure funding, arrange exams, and tap free resources. Connect with communities, stay flexible, and check GOV.UK for updates like the 2025 Bill. You’ve got this—enjoy building your child’s future!

Appendix A: Sample Weekly Plan

For a 10-year-old (adjust for age/needs):

Monday: 30 min BBC Bitesize Maths, 30 min reading, 1 hr park playdate (social).
Tuesday: 1 hr Oak Academy English, 30 min Khan Academy science, baking (fractions).
Wednesday: 1 hr Twinkl history worksheet, 1 hr library visit, free play.
Thursday: 30 min Reading Eggs, 30 min Code.org, museum trip (history).
Friday: 1 hr EdPlace maths/English, 1 hr art project, family game night (social).

Tips: Start with 2–3 hours daily. Include 1 outing weekly. Adjust if your child resists.

Appendix B: Regional Differences in the UK

England: As described, deregister from mainstream schools; LAs monitor. 2025 Bill may add registers.
Scotland: No deregistration unless in special school. Education authorities oversee but with less formality.
Wales: LAs monitor closely; provide education plans if requested. More oversight expected in 2025.
Northern Ireland: Education and Library Boards (ELBs) monitor; submit a curriculum plan. Check regional websites.