Because your child’s education should fit your family, not the other way around.
“Is it even legal?”
“Where do I start?”
“Am I doing enough?”
If you've ever asked yourself these questions, you're not alone. Starting home education in the UK can feel like stepping into the unknown, but it doesn't have to. Whether you're just curious or ready to take the leap, this guide walks you through each step with clarity, encouragement, and zero pressure.
At Planet Printables, we believe every child learns differently, and every parent is more capable than they realise. Let’s help you build a home education that works for your real life.
Step 1: Understand the Legal Bit
Yes, home education is 100% legal in the UK. Parents have the right to educate their children at home from the start or to deregister them from school at any point.
Children in London being educated at home has gone up from 9,540 in 2022-2023 to 11,780 in 2024-2025 according to the Department for Education.
Source: Department for Education
✅ If your child is not yet in school
You don’t need to do anything official. You simply don’t accept a school place. No permission required.
✅ If your child is already enrolled in a school
You’ll need to formally deregister by sending a letter (or email) to the headteacher. You don’t need to explain or ask for approval. It’s your right.
Here’s a sample deregistration letter you can use:
Important:
In England and Wales, the school must remove your child from the register immediately.
In Scotland and Northern Ireland, local authority permission is required, but home education is still fully legal and supported.
Step 2: Set Up Your Home Learning Space
You don’t need a dedicated homeschool room. But a space that feels calm, inviting, and organised can make a big difference.
🧺 Set up a shelf or basket for supplies
📚 Keep books and activities within easy reach
🎨 Save a spot for hands-on learning and messy play
Many families use their kitchen table, a living room corner, or even a mobile trolley that moves around. Keep it simple and flexible.
Step 3: Choose an Educational Approach
There’s no one-size-fits-all method. One of the best things about home education is the freedom to shape learning around your child and your family life.
Some popular approaches include:
- Structured: Daily timetables, workbooks, and formal curriculum
- Child-led / Autonomous: Following your child’s interests and curiosity
- Montessori: Practical life skills with real-world tools
- Charlotte Mason: Short lessons, nature walks, and rich literature
- Eclectic: A mix of approaches that evolve over time - most families end up here
There’s no rush to decide. Try different things, see what works, and adjust as needed.
Step 4: Use Free and Affordable Resources
You don’t need to spend loads to give your child a brilliant education.
📉 According to HyperJar, the cost of homeschooling in the UK can vary widely depending on the resources and activities chosen. Some families manage with minimal expenses by utilising free resources and community support, while others may invest more in structured programs and extracurricular activities. This flexibility allows home education to be tailored to different budgets and lifestyles.
Here are a few of our favourite (and free) resources:
🖨️ Planet Printables Freebies: Try our starter packs for English, life skills, science, and more
💻 BBC Bitesize: Covers all key stages and subjects, completely free - BBC Bitesize
🎓 Oak National Academy: Free video lessons aligned with the national curriculum - Oak National Academy
📚 Libraries: Free books and local events for families
🗣️ Facebook Groups & Local Co-ops: Great for sharing resources and support
Step 5: Prepare for the Wobbles
Yes, you might doubt yourself sometimes. That’s not failure. That’s parenting.
Common struggles:
- Feeling like you’re not doing enough
- Worrying your child will fall behind
- Trying to recreate school at home (and burning out)
Reassurance:
- Many families use a rough rule of thumb to “deschool” for one month per year of prior schooling
- Research shows many children in home education experience better wellbeing and more confidence
Connect with others, take breaks when needed, and remember you can always adapt. This is about real learning for real life.
You Don’t Need to Know Everything
You just need to care.
Home education can look like learning fractions while baking, reading on the sofa, or exploring nature with questions that lead to more questions. It doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be meaningful.
Start small. Stay curious. Trust yourself.
Helpful Links & Resources
- UK Government EHE Guidance (England)
- Education Otherwise – Legal Guidance & Letters
- BBC Bitesize – Free Learning Platform
-
Oak National Academy – Curriculum Mapped Lessons
- BBC Report: Move to home education biggest since pandemic
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From our home to yours,
The Planet Printables Team 💚