This information applies to Northern Ireland

Yes, you can. An Education and Library Board 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 Education and Library board if you want to teach your child at home. However, it's a good idea to talk to the Education and Library Board about it first. If you don't talk to the Education and Library board, 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 Education and Library Board, see Access to education.

Other Frequently asked questions about education:

• My child is being bullied at school, what can I do?
• Can my son get financial help to go to college after his GCSEs?
• What can I do if my daughter is expelled from school?
• I have just found out my child is autistic, can she continue to go to our local primary school?
• I am a wheelchair user and want to go to college after my A levels - what do I need to consider?