School Isn’t Compulsory (Yes, Really)

Most people believe something that isn’t actually true.

They believe school is compulsory.

But it isn’t.

In England, the law says something slightly different. The law says education is compulsory — not school.

Parents must make sure their child gets a suitable education, but that education does not have to happen in a school building.

One of the ways families can do this is called home education.

So what is home education?

Home education simply means parents take responsibility for their child’s education instead of sending them to school.

That might sound strange if you’ve never heard of it before.

Many people imagine children sitting at a kitchen table doing school lessons all day with a parent acting like a teacher.

But most home education doesn’t look like that at all.

Learning can happen in lots of different ways.

Children might learn through:

• books and documentaries
• visiting museums and historical places
• science experiments at home
• hobbies and projects
• sports, art, and music
• everyday life skills like cooking or budgeting

Learning can happen anywhere, not just in a classroom.

Why do families choose it?

Families choose home education for many different reasons.

Sometimes a child is unhappy at school.

Sometimes the school environment is too stressful or overwhelming.

Sometimes children learn better when they can move at their own pace.

And sometimes parents simply believe their child will do better learning in a different way.

There isn’t just one type of home education family.

They are all different.

Is it legal?

Yes.

Home education is completely legal in England.

Parents do not need permission to home educate their child.

They just need to make sure their child is getting a suitable education.

It’s probably not what you think

Home education is often misunderstood.

People sometimes imagine children being isolated at home all day.

In reality, many home educated children go to groups, activities, clubs, sports sessions, and trips with other families.

Some even say they have more social time than they did at school.

Want to learn more?

If you’ve never heard much about home education before, it’s worth learning what it actually is — and what the law really says.

You can find clear information throughout our website.

Because education doesn’t have to look the same for every child.