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Planning Your Home Education

Research and Planning Your Home Education

Deciding to home educate is a big step, and the first few weeks can feel daunting. This guide sets out the main approaches, what to think about first, and where to find help. If you have not yet taken your child off the school roll, read this first: Home Education and the Law.

Exploring Educational Approaches

UK home educators employ diverse approaches:

Structured/Curriculum-Based: Following formal curricula similar to schools, often using purchased resources, and following systematic progression.

Semi-Structured: Combining structure in core subjects with flexibility in other areas and following child interests.

Autonomous/Unschooling: Following child-led learning where students pursue their interests with parent support rather than predetermined curricula.

Eclectic: Combining elements from multiple approaches, adapting to what works for each child and subject.

The UK research that exists, such as Rothermel (2004), is broadly positive about outcomes across all of these approaches, although it is based on families who volunteered to take part rather than a representative sample. In our experience, parental commitment and appropriate support matter more than the specific methodology.

Your first steps

  • Give yourselves time to settle. Many families find a child needs a few weeks to adjust after leaving school, especially if school had become difficult.
  • Write down your aims. A one-page plan covering what you want your child to learn this year, and how, will help you and is useful if your local authority makes an enquiry.
  • Start with English and Maths. Whatever else you choose, these open the door to every later qualification.
  • Keep simple records: a diary of what you have covered, photos of projects, and samples of work every few weeks.
  • Find other families. Home education works best when children have regular contact with other children and adults.
  • Think early about exams. If your child will want GCSEs, plan backwards from the exam dates.

GCSEs and A-levels for home-educated students

Home-educated students sit exams as private candidates, which means finding an approved exam centre willing to accept them and paying the entry and centre fees yourself. Entry deadlines fall several months before the exams. Subjects with coursework or practical endorsements can be harder to arrange, so ask a centre before you start the course, not at the end.

Raedan Institute is an AQA approved examination centre (centre number 25369) and we welcome private candidates. See Alternative Education at Raedan Institute for the next exam series.

Resources and Support

Numerous resources support home educators:

  • Home Education Organisations: Providing guidance, community, and advocacy
  • Online Communities: Connecting families for advice and support
  • Curriculum Resources: From free materials to comprehensive purchased programmes
  • Local Groups: Offering socialisation, group activities, and shared learning
  • Educational Services: Like Raedan Institute providing expert instruction, resources, and examination access.

Key Resources:

How Raedan Institute supports home-educating families

We offer part-time teaching in English, Maths and Science on Monday to Wednesday mornings, help with planning, exam access, and a community of other families. Full details are on our Alternative Education page.