Parents can choose to educate their child at home at any stage of their education. Some children who are home educated will never have attended a school.
You do not need permission from the local authority to home educate. However, once we are aware a child is being home educated, we keep a record.
If you choose elective home education, you are fully responsible for your child’s education. This includes:
- making sure the education is suitable and full‑time
- paying for any costs, such as exam fees
Parent’s rights
The right to choose how your child is educated is recognised in law. This includes the right to make sure education reflects a family’s religious or philosophical beliefs.
The European Convention on Human Rights states that the state must respect parents’ rights to ensure education is provided in line with their beliefs.
Parents’ responsibilities
You have a legal duty to make sure your child receives a suitable education.
Under section 7 of the Education Act 1996, this education must be:
- full‑time
- efficient
- suitable to the child’s age, ability and aptitude
- suitable to any special educational needs the child may have
This education can be provided at school or otherwise, including through home education.