Home education

The law about educating your child

You must arrange an education that suits the age, ability and needs of your child. You can do this by sending your child to school or by choosing to educate your child at home.

If you have children of school age, you must ensure that they receive an education.

School age is:

  • From the start date of a school term following a child's 5th birthday
  • To the last Friday in June in the year when the child's 16th birthday is before 1 September

Guidance about elective home education from GOV.UK