Your home education questions answered

What is elective home education?

By choosing home education, you're taking on the full responsibility for your child's education. This includes the cost of things like:

• Resources
• Trips
• Tutors
• Courses
• Subscriptions
• Public examinations
• Work experience placements

It's a huge responsibility. It requires dedication and commitment from you with your energy and time. 

Useful links:

Starting Out - Education Otherwise

Elective home education: guide for parents

What is the law around elective home education? What are my rights and responsibilities?

The main act is the Education Act (1996), Section 7. It states parents have a duty to ensure their child receives a full-time education that is suitable for their age, ability and aptitude and any special educational needs they may have. See Parent's duty for more information.

It's your responsibility as a home educator to provide the local authority with information on your child's education each year. 

What is compulsory school age?

Your child must start full-time education the term after they reach compulsory school age. This is on December 31, March 31 or August 31 following their fifth birthday - whichever comes first. 

If your child's fifth birthday is on one of those dates then they reach compulsory school age on that date. 

For example, if your child reaches compulsory school age on March 31, they must start full-time education at the beginning of the next term. This would be the summer term that year. 

Children must stay in full-time education until the last Friday in June in the school year they turn 16.