education is compulsory

school is optional

FAQs

Who do parents have to tell if they are beginning home education?

If a child has never been in school, there is no legal duty for the parent to inform anyone in authority about home education once the child reaches the age of 5.

How many children are home educated in England and Wales?

Local authorities in England and Wales know of around 20,000 home educated children. It is estimated that at least the same number are currently not officially known to the authorities, making a total of at least 40,000 home educated children in England and Wales.