Elective home education (EHE) is when parents choose to take full responsibility for providing a suitable education for their child instead of sending them to school.
This is different from education arranged by the local authority, such as
- home tuition for children who cannot attend school due to illness
- alternative education provision
School registration
Children educated at home are not usually registered at a school or other education setting, such as:
- mainstream schools
- special schools
- academies
- independent schools
- pupil referral units (PRUs)
- colleges
- children’s homes with education facilities
- education facilities provided by independent fostering agencies
Some parents choose ‘flexi‑schooling‘, where a child is educated partly at home and partly at a school or college. Schools and colleges do not have to agree to these arrangements.
Some parents choose to use private tutors or other adults to support their child’s learning at home. This is optional – not a requirement.
Why parents choose home education
Parents choose to educate their children at home for different reasons. You do not have to give a reason for choosing home education.
Common reasons include:
- personal, philosophical or educational values
- religious or cultural beliefs
- concerns about the school environment
- distance to a local school
- experiences of peer conflict
- short‑term arrangements during a particular period
- a child’s reluctance or difficulty attending school
- special educational needs not being fully met in school
- physical or mental health needs
The law
The law places responsibility for a child’s education with their parents.
In England, children must receive an education, but they do not have to attend school. Parents can choose to educate their child at home, as long as the education provided is suitable and meets legal requirements.
Privacy notice
Elective home education privacy notice