Education you need to provide
Parents or guardians who choose to educate their children at home are not required to follow a standard school curriculum or adhere to fixed timetables based on school hours or terms. Instead, they must demonstrate that they are providing a suitable education for the child, offering appropriate variety, resources, and opportunities for social interaction. According to section 6.3 of the Scottish Government’s guidance, education authorities may reasonably expect that home education undertaken by parents or guardians includes the following characteristics:
- Consistent involvement of parents or other significant carers
- The presence of a philosophy or ethos, which does not necessarily have to be a recognised philosophy, with parents showing commitment, enthusiasm, and an understanding of their child's needs, attitudes, and aspirations
- The child has opportunities to be stimulated through their learning experiences
- The child is engaged in a broad range of activities appropriate to their developmental stage
- Access to suitable resources and materials
- The child has opportunities for appropriate physical activity
- The child can interact with other children and adults
Parents or guardians are responsible for meeting any costs associated with providing this education.
Formal qualifications
There is no legal requirement for young people to obtain specific qualifications.
Parents or guardians who home educate can make arrangements for their children to sit formal exams (for example, through their local college).
Parents or guardians are responsible for any costs related to these examinations.