Homeschool Laws: What Every UK Parent Should Know

If you’re thinking about teaching your kids at home, the first thing on your mind is probably the legal side. In the UK, homeschooling isn’t a free‑for‑all; there are clear rules you must follow to keep everything above board.

Understanding the Duty to Educate

Under the Education Act 1996, parents have a legal duty to ensure their children receive a suitable education. That means you can’t just stop sending your kids to school and walk away. You need to provide an education that’s appropriate to their age, ability, and any special needs they might have.

Most families meet this duty by setting up a structured curriculum, keeping records of lessons, and showing that learning is happening on a regular basis. The law doesn’t dictate exactly how you teach, but it does expect you to cover core subjects like English, maths, and science.

How to Register and What to Expect

In England, you must inform your local authority (LA) in writing that you’re homeschooling. A simple letter or email stating your intent is enough. The LA should reply within 12 weeks, confirming they’ve received your notice.

After that, the LA may conduct a check – often a short visit or a phone call – to make sure your child’s education is suitable. They won’t dictate your teaching methods, but they can ask for evidence such as lesson plans, work samples, or assessment results.

If the LA feels the education isn’t meeting the duty, they can request a formal meeting, ask for a detailed plan, or, in extreme cases, issue a warning notice. Most parents never see this happen because a well‑documented approach satisfies the authority.

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have slightly different processes, but the core idea is the same: you must notify the relevant body and be ready to demonstrate progress.

When you’re starting out, treat the paperwork as a checklist. Write down what you’ll teach each week, keep copies of worksheets, and note any tests you give. Even a simple spreadsheet can become solid evidence if the LA asks.

Finally, remember you’re not alone. Many local groups, online forums, and even the school you left can offer support, resources, and ideas. Connecting with other homeschooling families can make the legal side feel a lot less intimidating.

So, to keep everything legal and stress‑free, follow three steps: inform your LA, keep good records, and be ready for a brief check. Do that, and you’ll be on solid ground while you tailor education to your child’s needs.