Do I need the school's permission to home educate?

No. You do not need the school's permission, the local authority's permission, or anyone else's consent to home educate your child (unless your child has an EHCP). Simply write to the headteacher notifying them of your decision. The school must remove your child from the register under Regulation 8(1)(d). You do not need to give a reason, although it can be helpful to provide one.

Do I have to follow the national curriculum?

No. Home-educating parents are not required to follow the national curriculum, teach specific subjects, maintain a timetable, have set hours, or use any particular materials. The only legal requirement is that the education is 'efficient' and 'suitable' to the child's age, ability, and aptitude. Many home-educating families use a variety of approaches including structured curricula, unschooling, project-based learning, and flexi-schooling.

Will the local authority check on my home education?

The local authority may make informal enquiries to satisfy itself that a suitable education is being provided. This might involve requesting a written educational philosophy or examples of work, or inviting you to an informal meeting. You are not legally required to allow home visits, and you can provide information in writing instead. If the local authority is not satisfied that suitable education is being provided, it may issue a school attendance order under Section 437 of the Education Act 1996.

Can I deregister my child if they have an EHCP?

If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), the process is different. Under Section 37 of the Children and Families Act 2014, the local authority must consent to the child being educated at home before the school can deregister them. The local authority must be satisfied that you can make suitable provision for the child's special educational needs. If the local authority refuses consent, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (SEND).

Can my child take GCSEs as a home-educated student?

Yes. Home-educated students can sit GCSEs and other qualifications as private candidates at examination centres that accept external candidates. You will need to find a suitable centre, register your child, and pay the examination fees. Not all centres accept private candidates, so it is advisable to start looking well in advance. Some qualifications with practical components (e.g. science practicals) may be harder to arrange as a private candidate.

Free Home Education Deregistration Letter Template

A home education deregistration letter is a formal written notification to a school that you are withdrawing your child from the school roll in order to educate them at home.

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your-details

Parent / Guardian Full Name*

Your Address*

child-details

Child's Full Name*

Child's Date of Birth*

Child's Current Year Group*

school-details

School Name*

Headteacher's Name*

School Address*

deregistration

Deregistration Date (last day at school)*

Reason for Deregistration (optional)

letter

Date of Letter*

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[parentName] [parentAddress] [date] [headteacherName] [schoolName] [schoolAddress] Dear [headteacherName], Re: Deregistration from School — [childName] (DOB: [childDob], [childYearGroup]) I am writing to formally notify you that I am withdrawing my child, [childName], from [schoolName] with effect from [deregistrationDate]. I intend to provide [childName] with a suitable full-time education at home in accordance with Section 7 of the Education Act 1996. I understand that under Regulation 8(1)(d) of the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006, the school is required to remove [childName]'s name from the school register upon receipt of this notification. I also understand that the school will notify the local authority of this deregistration, and I am prepared to engage with any reasonable informal enquiries the local authority may make regarding the education I am providing. Please confirm in writing that [childName] has been removed from the school roll and provide any records, reports, or assessments that may be helpful for the transition to home education. I would be grateful if you could arrange for any personal belongings or school property to be collected or made available on or before [deregistrationDate]. Thank you for the education [childName] has received at [schoolName]. Yours sincerely, ___________________________ [parentName]

Important Notes

Legal Disclaimer

Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 establishes the parental duty to ensure a child receives efficient full-time education suitable to their age, ability, and aptitude, 'either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.' This 'otherwise' provision is the legal basis for home education (also known as elective home education or EHE). Regulation 8(1)(d) of the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 requires schools to remove a child from the register when the parent notifies the school in writing that the child is being educated otherwise than at school. The school cannot refuse or delay deregistration (except where the child has an EHCP — see Section 37 of the Children and Families Act 2014). Section 437 of the Education Act 1996 allows the local authority to make enquiries if it appears that a child is not receiving suitable education, and may issue a school attendance order if satisfied that the education is not suitable. The DfE guidance 'Elective Home Education: Departmental Guidance for Local Authorities' (2019) sets out the framework.

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For complex legal matters, we recommend consulting a qualified solicitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Templates

School Admissions Appeal Letter School Formal Complaint Letter School Absence Request Letter SEN / EHCP Appeal Letter to SEND Tribunal