Home education in Wales
How home education works in Wales: the written notice, what your council will want, additional learning needs, exams and what the new UK law means for Wales.
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New law – not in force in Wales. Parts of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 (including a children not in school register) apply to Wales, but the Welsh Ministers decide when they start. The Welsh Government says that is for the next Welsh Government to decide, after public consultation. More about the new law
Your duty as a parent
As in England, section 7 of the Education Act 1996 applies: your child must get an efficient, full-time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude and any additional learning needs, at school or otherwise.
Taking your child out of school
- Write to the head teacher to say you are taking responsibility for your child’s education. Telling the school in person isn’t enough – it must be in writing. Use our letter for Wales.
- The school removes your child from the register and tells the council.
- Special school: you need the council’s permission before your child is removed from a special school roll.
Contact with your council
- Councils follow statutory guidance (2023). It says it isn’t unreasonable for the council to see and talk with your child, and expects contact at least once a year.
- Meetings don’t have to be at home, and the council should be flexible about arranging them. You can decline, but the council may then be unable to decide that the education is suitable.
- There is no required number of hours, timetable or syllabus. Councils look for evidence of the education actually provided – literacy, numeracy, language, a broad range of learning and time with other people.
- If the council isn’t satisfied, it must follow formal steps, which can lead to a school attendance order.
Additional learning needs (ALN)
You can ask the council to decide whether your child has ALN. If it decides they do, it must prepare an individual development plan (IDP). See SEN, ALN and EHC plans.
Flexi-schooling
There is no right to flexi-schooling: the decision rests with the head teacher, and there is no formal appeal. If agreed, home days are recorded as authorised absence.
Going back to school
You can apply for a school place at any time. Contact your council’s school admissions team – usually a different team from home education. See going back to school in Wales.
Exams and money
- You enter your child for exams and pay the fees. Find a centre before your child starts a course – your council’s home education officer can advise on centres that take independent candidates. More on exams.
- Councils have no legal duty to fund home education. Parents pay for resources and courses.
Official sources
- Education Act 1996, section 7
- Welsh Government: Home education handbook for home educators
- Welsh Government: Home education statutory guidance for local authorities and handbook for home educators
- Welsh Government: Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 and elective home education (4 June 2026)
- Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, section 78 (commencement)
Last checked against these sources: 25 October 2026.
General information, not legal advice. This page sums up the official guidance in our own words. Rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and can change. Check the official sources and your council’s own guidance, and get qualified advice for your situation. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department for Education, the Welsh Government, the Scottish Government, the Education Authority or any council. Official guidance is used under the Open Government Licence v3.0.