Home education vs school in the UK: a fair comparison

• The duty is on parents. Across the UK, parents must make sure a child of compulsory school age receives an efficient, full-time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude (and any special needs) — either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.
• Compulsory school age: In England, Wales and Scotland it starts around age 5; in Northern Ireland it starts at 4. It ends at 16, though young people in England must then stay in education or training until 18.
• Home education: Parents don't need permission in general. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you write to the school to take a child off the roll (special schools arranged by the council in England and Wales need council consent). In Scotland, you usually need council consent to withdraw a child from a public school.

• School: Teachers deliver the national curriculum for your nation (or a school's own curriculum in academies and independent schools), with specialist teachers, labs and equipment.
• Home education: Parents decide what and how to teach. You don't have to follow the National Curriculum or keep school hours, but the education must be suitable and full-time. Many families mix published courses, online lessons, tutors and real-world projects.
• Things to weigh: School offers breadth and specialist teaching without you having to arrange it. Home education offers flexibility and one-to-one attention, but you carry the planning — especially for secondary sciences and languages.

• School: Daily contact with a large group of same-age peers, plus clubs, teams and school events.
• Home education: Social time is planned rather than automatic — through home education groups, sports clubs, Scouts and Guides, faith groups, classes and volunteering. Children often mix with a wider range of ages.
• Things to weigh: Some children thrive in a busy school; others find it overwhelming. Think about your child's temperament, and be honest about how much organising you can sustain.

• School: Schools are inspected and must follow attendance, safeguarding and curriculum rules.
• Home education: Councils have duties to identify children who aren't receiving a suitable education and may ask you for information about your provision. If they aren't satisfied, they can move towards a school attendance order. There is no routine inspection in the way schools are inspected.
• Changing rules: The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 creates registers of children not in school in England, and the Welsh Government has said related measures will apply in Wales. These were not yet in force when we checked.

• School: State schools are free to attend, though families usually pay for uniforms, trips and extras. Some support, such as free school meals for eligible children, is linked to school attendance.
• Home education: Families pay for their own resources, and often give up some income. Official guidance says home-educating parents take on full financial responsibility, including exam costs. The Scottish guidance notes there's no home-education equivalent of free school meals or school clothing grants.
• Things to weigh: The biggest cost of home education is often a parent's time. Our cost of home education article goes into more detail.

• School: The school enters students for GCSEs, A-levels or Scottish qualifications, handles coursework and pays entry fees.
• Home education: Students sit exams as private candidates at a centre that agrees to accept them, usually paying the fees. Coursework and some practical components can be hard to arrange, so many home educators choose exam-only options such as IGCSEs. JCQ lists centres that may accept private candidates; in Scotland, a presenting centre enters the candidate.
• College at 14 to 16 (England): Some colleges take home-educated 14 to 16 year olds on part-time courses, which the DfE funds.
• Things to weigh: Start planning qualifications by around 13 or 14.

• School: The school supports UCAS applications and writes the reference.
• Home education: Students apply to UCAS as independent applicants. They need a referee who knows them in an academic or professional capacity, such as a tutor or employer — not a family member. Universities look at qualifications, so A-levels, Highers or equivalents gained as a private candidate or at college count.
• Things to weigh: Many home-educated young people move to a sixth form or college at 16, which gives them a school-style route into university.

Neither option is better for every child. Many families decide based on their child's current needs and review the decision each year. Choosing home education doesn't close the door to school: you can apply for a school place through your council at any time, though a place at a particular school isn't guaranteed.

Whatever you decide, keep your child's voice in the conversation.