How to deregister your child from school! Taking the step to deregister your child from school can feel like a huge decision; exciting, nerve wracking, and maybe even overwhelming. Whether you’ve been considering home education for a while or recent experiences have pushed you to explore a different path, know that you’re not alone.
The good news is the deregistration process in England is simple and straightforward for most families. Once you’ve made your decision, it’s just a matter of following the correct steps to inform the school and start your home education journey with confidence.
In this post, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know about deregistering your child from school, including how to write the deregistration letter, what to expect from the school and local authority, and important differences if your child is in a special school. I’ve also included a free downloadable deregistration letter template to make the process even easier.
1. Check Your Legal Right to Home Educate
In England, parents have the legal right to home educate under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, which states that it is a parent’s duty to ensure their child receives an education either by regular attendance at school or otherwise. Home education is a valid and legal alternative to school, and you do not need permission to deregister unless your child is in a special school. In fact did you know home education is actually the default educational choice In the UK? You opt in to the schools system – if you never apply or send your child to school then you are automatically home educating, and as things stand as of February 2025 you do not need to inform anyone of your intention to home educate.
2. Write a Deregistration Letter
If your child attends a mainstream school, you must send a written letter to the headteacher stating your intention to home educate. There is no need to seek approval; your deregistration letter is an instruction NOT a request. The school must remove your child from the register upon receipt of the letter, and it is their responsibility to then inform the local authority who will contact you (some do this very quickly, others like mine took almost 2 years.)
Key points to include in your letter:
- Your child’s full name
- Their date of birth
- The name of the school they are currently attending
- A clear statement that you are deregistering your child to home educate
- The date the deregistration is effective from
- Your signature
Example Letter:
Feel free to download this sample de registration letter. You don’t have to include your reasons why you are home educating if you choose not to.
Once this letter has been received, the school is legally required to remove your child from the register immediately. You must deregister in writing not over the phone- and it’s highly advised that’s done via email to keep a paper trail.
Your deregistration letter can be effective immediately, or you can give notice and state when your child’s last day will be. Most would advise not to give notice as the school will more than likely try to question your decision and try and change your mind.
3. Understanding Special School Deregistration
If your child attends a special school, the process is different. You must get approval from the local authority before you can deregister. This is because children in special schools typically have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), and the local authority has a duty to ensure their needs are met.
At present (February 2025) you can still instruct a mainstream school to deregister your child even if they have an EHCP.
To deregister from a special school:
- Write to the local authority, not just the school.
- They may request a meeting or further information.
- If permission is granted, the school will then remove your child from the register.
Do NOT use the above template- if you need help with deregistering from a special school please message me and I can help.
While this process may take longer, most requests are approved unless the local authority has strong evidence that home education would not meet the child’s needs.
4. Know Your Rights if the Local Authority Contacts You
Some local authorities send a form asking for details of your home education plans. You do not have to complete their forms, but you should be prepared to provide evidence of a suitable education when requested. This can be through a written report. It’s advised never to share future plans with the local authority as plans can change. You also do not need to engage with them over the phone (keep everything in writing) and you certainly do not need to meet with them, or have them in your home even though they may ask.
I will do a separate blog on how to deal with them but I highly recommend joining the Facebook group H.E.F.A https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17LfVyrLS8/?mibextid=K35XfP their guides will walk you through how to engage with the local authority and write your report.
6. Start Your Home Education Journey
Once deregistered, you are responsible for your child’s education, and that education legally has to start on day 1.
You have full flexibility to design an education that works for your child’s needs and interests. Some parents follow structured curriculums, while others opt for a more child-led approach. Head over to my blog on getting started for more information https://homeeducatewithhayley.com/?p=25
Deregistering outside of England
As stated deregistration looks different throughout the UK – it’s important you research and look up the laws for your country if you are outside of England or even the UK.
Wales: Parents must notify the local authority when deregistering.
Scotland: No automatic right to deregister; parents must get local authority consent before removing a child from school.
Northern Ireland: Similar to England, parents will write to the school, and the child is removed from the register.
Deregistering your child can feel very overwhelming; especially when circumstances at school have perhaps forced you into making the decision quickly leaving you feeling unprepared. I considered deregistering for months and when I sent the email I still cried and doubted myself, even though I was sure on my decision. Some parents feel excited others relieved – some let their children hit send on the email. However it makes you feel those feelings are completely valid – you are not alone and there is an amazing, un judgemental and supportive community waiting to hold your hand. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support – there’s no such thing as a stupid question, knowledge is power, so ask those questions and share your experience in the comments so you can help others.
By understanding the legal process and knowing your rights, you can confidently take this step into home education. Home education is a journey, not a destination, and you don’t need to have everything figured out all at once. Give yourself and your child time to adjust, explore different approaches, and find what works best for your family.
I hope this guide has helped make the deregistration process feel clearer and more manageable. Welcome to home education – You’ve got this!!
English