Considerations
Things to Think About Before Choosing Home Education
- Your child’s needs and personality - Some children need lots of social interaction, others prefer time alone. Some learn best by leading their own learning, others need guidance from a parent or tutor.
- Costs - Books, equipment, exam fees, tutors, and possible loss of income.
- Social interaction - How will your child meet friends, specialists, and interesting people?
- Activities and facilities - Group work, science labs, sports facilities, trips, and visits.
Important Advice
Many parents choose home education for positive reasons like lifestyle or learning approach. If you are considering it because of a disagreement with your child’s school, try to resolve the issue first.
Home education is not permanent—you can change your mind and send your child back to school. Think carefully about how this choice will affect your family, work, and finances.
Support and Guidance
We offer support for home educating families (see section 7 of the Education act 1996
What is Elective Home Education (EHE)?
EHE means parents choose to educate their child at home instead of sending them to school.
This is different from home tuition, where the local authority provides a teacher at home for a child who is still on a school roll. Home tuition is only used in exceptional cases.
Why Do Families Choose Home Education?
- Lifestyle choice
- Religious or cultural beliefs
- Philosophical views
- Distance or access to school
- Dissatisfaction with the education system
- Bullying
- Anxiety or mental health issues
- Short-term solution
- Special educational needs
- Closer family relationships
Different Approaches
There is no single “right” way to home educate. Some families recreate school at home, others follow child-led learning. Many mix different methods for different subjects. Styles can range from structured lessons to flexible, interest-based learning.
