12 February 2012
This information applies to Scotland
Yes, you can. Parents have a legal responsibility to provide education for their child. This duty is usually fulfilled by sending their child to school regularly, but parents can also provide education at home.
Parents who wish to provide home education for a child that currently attends a state school must seek the consent of the education authority to withdraw the child from school. An authority cannot withhold consent without good reason, but must be satisfied that any alternative education would be efficient and suited to the age, ability and aptitude of the child.
If a child has not attended a state school, there is no requirement to seek consent from the authority to educate the child at home. However, local authorities still have a responsibility to ensure that the child is receiving a suitable education and have a duty to enforce school attendance if they are unsatisfied with the education that is being provided at home.
The Scottish Government has produced guidance for parents and local authorities on home education. You can view a copy of this guidance at www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/207380/0055026.pdf
Further information on home education can be obtained from the following organisations:-
Schoolhouse is a Scottish home education charity which offers information and support to families who have chosen, or are contemplating, home based education. Their address is:-
PO Box 18044
Glenrothes
Fife
KY7 9AD
Tel: 01307 463120
Web: www.schoolhouse.org.uk
A UK membership organisation which provides support and information for families whose children are being educated outside school.
Web: www.education-otherwise.org
A UK-based organisation for home educators and those thinking about home educating.
Web: www.heas.org.uk
For more information about organisations that can help, see Education organisations which give information and advice.
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