DEREGISTERING YOUR CHILD FROM SCHOOL:

A Step-By-Step Guide

If you’re considering home education and your child is currently enrolled in a school in England, you’ll need to follow a clear legal process to formally remove them. This article outlines the process of deregistering your child from school in simple steps – so you can feel confident, informed, and in control. Whether you’re new to home education or ready to transition out of the school system, understanding your rights and responsibilities is key.

Note for Parents with Children Below Compulsory School Age (CSA)

If your child is under compulsory school age (which begins the term after their 5th birthday in England), they are not legally required to be in school. However, if they are enrolled in a school (e.g. nursery or Reception), it is still advisable to submit a deregistration letter to formally end the school’s responsibility and prevent unauthorised absence records.

You do not need to wait until your child turns 5 to begin home educating.
Once deregistered, you can home educate your child as and when it suits your family’s needs.

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Under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, parents are legally responsible for ensuring that their child receives a full-time education, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise (i.e., through home education).

You do not need permission to home educate, except in specific cases (see Step 6).

Read our article to find out more about your rights: UK Home Education & the Law

If your child is enrolled in a mainstream school (not a special school), you must notify the school in writing of your intention to home educate.

Your letter should:

  • State clearly that you are withdrawing your child from school to home educate.

  • Request that their name be removed from the admissions register in accordance with Section 8(1)(d) of the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2006.

Download a template here:
Deregistration Letter Template (DOCX)


The school is legally required to:

  • Remove your child’s name from the register immediately upon receiving your letter.

  • Notify the Local Authority (LA) of the removal.

You do not need the school’s or local authority’s permission for deregistration unless your child attends a special school by an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Once deregistered, you are fully responsible for providing a suitable education. This doesn’t need to follow the National Curriculum, but it must be full-time, age-appropriate and tailored to your child’s needs.

The local authority may contact you to ask how you intend to educate your child. You are not legally required to accept home visits, but you should be prepared to demonstrate that your child is receiving a suitable education—this can be through:

  • A written summary of your educational approach

  • Samples of work or a portfolio

  • Progress reports

  • A meeting, if you’re comfortable with that

Find out more about what the Local Authority can and cannot do: UK Home Education & the Law

If your child:

  • Has an EHCP and

  • Attends a special school,
    then you must obtain permission from the local authority before deregistering.

If your child has an EHCP but is in a mainstream school, you can still deregister without permission.

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Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for general guidance only and reflects our understanding of current home education laws in the UK. TechBloq is an educational support centre and not a legal authority. We are not qualified to offer legal advice, and families are encouraged to consult official government sources or seek independent legal advice if they are unsure about their rights or obligations under the law.

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