Parents are legally responsible for providing education for their child.

Most parents send their child to school but it is possible to educate your child at home.

If you choose to home educate your child, you are responsible for: 

• making sure your child gets an education 
• your child’s learning and progress 
• any costs or qualifications your child wants to take 

Your child’s home education should be suitable for their age and ability. Find out what a ‘suitable education’ means. 

Your child also has the right to: 

• be involved in decisions about their education 
• have their views heard 

You are encouraged to work with the local council in the best interests of your child.

Find out more about the roles and responsibilities of parents and local councils.

Legal requirements

Child enrolled at a state school

Parents of a child attending a public school must seek the local authority's consent before withdrawing their child from that school. The local authority must not unreasonably withhold consent. However, they may refuse to let your child leave school if they believe your child will not receive a suitable education.

Child not enrolled at a state school

If your child has never attended a state school, there is no need to get consent from the authority to educate your child at home. However, local authorities may still get involved if they believe home education is not suitable for the age, ability and aptitude of the child.

Consent is also not needed in the following situations when:

• the child is not yet of school age
• the child has never attended a public school in that authority's area
• the child is being withdrawn from an independent school
• has finished primary education in one school but has not started secondary education in another
• the school that the child has been attending has closed

Guidance for parents and local authorities

The Scottish Government has produced the Home Education Guidance to help parents who are considering home education. It sets out the roles and responsibilities of both parents and local authorities in relation to children who are home educated. The guidance encourages collaborative working and positive relationships between local authorities and home educating parents, supporting the best interests of the child. 

Parents may find it useful to consider the Enquire factsheet on home education which sets out information on this process.