The Journey

So you've done your research, made your decision, and now you're a home educator.

"What's next?" "What can I expect?" "Do I get inspected?" "Am I the only one doing this in my area?"

Watch our Watch Education Otherwise's video "School is Not Compulsory" video on the EO Youtube channel to find out more.

Read our our FAQ page for answers to the following questions, and more:

Is it legal?
How do other families home educate?
How many children are home educated?
Is the law going to be changed?
Who do parents have to tell if they are beginning home education?
What do I have to do if I want to take my child out of school?
Do I have to be a qualified teacher?
What are the main ways of educating children at home?
Do I have to follow the National Curriculum?
How can I find out what is being taught in schools?
How does the local authority deal with home education?
Will the local authority monitor what we are doing?
Do I have to let the local authority into my home/Do I have to agree to a meeting with the local authority?
Do I have to wait for my home education to be approved before I am allowed to start?
Do I have to provide information to the local authority on an annual basis?
What are School Attendance Orders?
Is there any funding for home education?
What is the position with Child Benefit and home education?
Can lone parents on benefits home educate?
How do I find home educators in my local area?
What about exams?
What about socialisation?
Is it possible to home educate children with special educational needs?
Is the school leaving age going to be raised and what will this mean for home educators?