This information applies to England and Wales

Yes, you can. A Local Educational Authority (LEA) must provide a full-time education for a child of ‘compulsory school age’ by law and a parent must make sure that their child of ‘compulsory school age’ receives an education. But the law does not say a child must go to school. A parent can arrange for a child to be taught at home.

You don't have to inform the LEA if you want to teach your child at home. However, it's a good idea to talk to the LEA about it first. If you don't talk to the LEA, they are likely to make enquiries and you will need to be able to show that you are providing your child with a suitable education.

There are organisations that can advise you. Education Otherwise and the Home Education Advisory service are good places to find out more about educating your child outside of school.

For more information about organisations that can help, see Education: organisations which give information and advice.
For more information on compulsory school age, see Access to education.
For more information on the duties and responsibilities of a parent and the LEA, see Access to education.

Other Frequently asked questions about education:

• What can I do if my child is being bullied?
• Can my son get financial help to go to college?
• My child has been expelled - what can I do?
• Can my autistic child stay at the local school?
• I am a wheelchair user and want to go to college after my A levels - what do I need to consider?