How to Deregister Your Child from School in the UK

Deciding to home educate is rarely a snap decision. For most families, it comes after months of thought, weighing up what is best for their child. Once the choice is made, the next question is often a practical one: how do I actually take my child out of school?

The good news is that in the UK, parents have the right to educate their children at home. It is completely legal and, in most cases, a straightforward process. The law is clear: parents are responsible for ensuring their child receives a suitable education, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise. Home education falls under that “otherwise.”

So, how do you deregister?

If your child is currently enrolled in a mainstream state school in England or Wales, you need to write a simple letter to the head teacher stating that you intend to educate your child at home. The school must then remove your child’s name from the register immediately and inform the local authority. That is all. You do not need permission, and you do not have to provide detailed plans at the point of deregistration.

In Scotland, the rules are slightly different. Parents must seek consent from the local authority before withdrawing a child from a public school. In practice, this usually involves writing to the council and outlining your intention to home educate. Consent is generally granted unless there are safeguarding concerns or unresolved issues around school attendance.

In Northern Ireland, you do not need to ask for permission to home educate, but you should notify the Education Authority.

Once deregistration is complete, most local authorities will make contact to ask about your plans. This might feel intimidating, but remember that you are not required to follow the national curriculum or replicate school at home. The requirement is simply to provide an education that is “suitable” to your child’s age, ability, and aptitude. You are not obliged to meet with the local authority in person, though many parents find it helpful to maintain a positive relationship.

One of the most reassuring parts of the process is that you do not need to have everything figured out on day one. Many families take a 'deschooling' period, allowing their child time to decompress from the routines and pressures of school before establishing new rhythms of learning at home. This is normal and often beneficial. Remember: Local Authorities and the Government do not recognise 'Deschooling' in the way Home Educators do. So it’s best never to use the term with them. It is also important to have some kind of plan for learning in place for home education from day one while 'deschooling'. 

A practical note: if your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in England, or the equivalent in other parts of the UK, the process can be a little more complex. The local authority will remain responsible for making sure your child’s needs are met, so you may need to have additional discussions about how provision will work at home.

It is worth remembering that deregistering is not necessarily permanent. Some children return to school later, while others continue all the way through to exams and beyond. Choosing home education is about giving your family the freedom to do what feels right for now, knowing you have options if circumstances change.

If you are considering this step, it might help to draft your deregistration letter ahead of time. It does not need to be long or complicated. A simple statement such as:

“I am writing to inform you that I am withdrawing my child, [child’s name], from [school name] in order to take responsibility for their education at home. Please remove their name from the school register with immediate effect and confirm this has been done.”

That is all that is required.

The process of deregistering can feel daunting, but at its heart, it is about reclaiming agency over your child’s education. It is a step toward flexibility, freedom, and the chance to create an environment where your child can learn in a way that truly suits them.