Helpful home education websites for UK families
Looking for reliable information and support with home education? We've brought together helpful UK websites, organisations and online communities offering advice on everything from getting started and understanding your legal responsibilities to dealing with local authorities, arranging exams and finding support for your family.
Whether you're considering home ed, have recently deregistered your child or have been home educating for years, these websites can help you find answers, understand your options and connect with others. Most offer free information and resources, although some also provide paid services or memberships. Legal information varies across the UK, so it's important to check the guidance that applies where you live.
Home education guidance and legal information
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A national home education charity offering information about parents' rights, legal responsibilities, local authorities and practical support, including a helpline. |
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Free home education information covering deregistration, local authority contact, legal responsibilities, SEND, exams and post-16 options. Includes template letters and practical guides. |
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Detailed information and analysis of home education law, government guidance, local authority responsibilities and policy developments in England. |
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Official government guidance on elective home education in England, including information for parents and local authorities about their legal responsibilities. |
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Free, independent SEND legal information and advice, including EHC plans, elective home education, alternative education and education otherwise than at school. |
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Free legal information about home education in England, including deregistration, parental responsibilities, local authority powers and children with special educational needs. |
Home education law and guidance differ across the UK. Some of the websites above provide information specifically for England, so check which rules apply where you live.
Home education communities, news and alternative approaches
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A large UK home education Facebook community offering peer support, practical advice and extensive guides covering different aspects of home education. |
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Independent news, commentary and analysis of home education policy, legislation, consultations and developments affecting UK home educating families. |
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Articles, information and personal perspectives on home education, including child-led learning, educational approaches and family experiences. |
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Jenn Hodge's website exploring alternative approaches to education, with personal experiences, articles and insights from home educated young people. |
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Information about progressive and alternative educational approaches, including self-directed education, worldschooling, forest school and democratic learning communities. |
Home education exams and learning support
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A community-maintained collection of information about GCSEs, IGCSEs, A levels, exam boards, qualifications and arrangements for home educated private candidates. |
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BBC Bitesize's collection of educational resources, activities and advice to support children learning at home, covering a range of subjects and ages. |
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| Home Ed Exams | This page brings together useful resources, links, and guidance to help you navigate the exams process from outside of the school system. |
Children's mental health, wellbeing and self-care
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UK mental health charity providing information, practical advice and support for children, young people and parents, including a Parents Helpline. |
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Practical advice for parents on starting conversations about mental health, listening to children, understanding their feelings and supporting them through difficult times. |
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Free UK mental health resource hub created by professionals and parents, helping families find reliable information, practical advice and support for children and young people. |
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A collection of free wellbeing ideas, coping strategies, videos and activities for young people, including relaxation, mindfulness, journalling and managing worries. |
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Free mindfulness and relaxation app for children aged 6+, featuring playful breathing exercises, movement activities and guided relaxation to support emotional wellbeing. |
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Family-friendly mindfulness resources, guided meditations, sleep stories and activities to help children and parents explore emotions, relaxation and wellbeing. Free and subscription content. |
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Practical, medically reviewed advice for parents on understanding children's worries, encouraging conversations and helping children develop confidence when facing challenges. |
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Free wellbeing activities for children, teenagers and families, including printable calendars, posters and practical ideas for building positive habits and emotional resilience. |
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Free self-care ideas developed with young people, including practical strategies for managing emotions, coping with stress and looking after mental wellbeing. |
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Free, confidential support for UK young people under 25, covering mental health, relationships, money, work and everyday challenges, with counselling and online community support. |
Online safety and digital wellbeing
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Practical advice for parents on keeping children safe online, including social media, gaming, privacy, inappropriate content and managing online risks. |
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Articles, guides and downloadable resources helping families navigate technology, screen time, social media, online safety and digital wellbeing. |
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Independent, age-based reviews of films, television programmes, games, apps and books, alongside advice about technology, media use and digital wellbeing. |
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| Let’s Talk Safer Families | Free online safety and safeguarding resources for parents and carers, including recorded expert talks, downloadable toolkits and practical advice on social media, AI, online exploitation, unhealthy relationships and supporting children with SEND. Read our full overview |
