Home Education Around the World

 

Home Education Around the World: A Comparative Perspective

The number of children being educated at home continues to rise across the UK. With growing interest in alternative education approaches — and proposed legislative changes such as the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill — it's worth asking: what does home education look like globally?

Legal Status of Home Education Worldwide

Home education is not permitted everywhere. In fact, it is prohibited in several countries, including Greenland, North Korea, Sierra Leone, and a number of European nations such as Germany, Greece, Croatia, Cyprus, the Netherlands, and Switzerland (HSLDA, 2024).

In contrast, the United Kingdom currently offers parents a clear legal right to choose home education. There is no requirement to follow the National Curriculum, and no need to seek permission if you are educating your child at home from the beginning. Parents are simply required to ensure their child receives a suitable full-time education (UK Government, 2019).

International Models of Home Education

🇦🇺 Australia

In 2024, more than 45,000 children were registered as being home educated in Australia. The number rose significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained high. Reasons cited include dissatisfaction with school environments, educational philosophy, the desire for family flexibility, and opportunities to travel (The Australian, 2024).

Education is managed at the state and territory level. Each region has its own Education Act, and parents must register with their respective authority. Requirements differ but typically involve submitting a learning plan and undergoing regular reviews (Australian Home Education Advisory Service (HEA)).

🇺🇸 United States

Home education is legal in all 50 states of the U.S., with approximately 3.7 million children home educated in 2024 (National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI)). Each state has its own regulations, which vary significantly. Some require annual assessments, registration, or specific subject coverage, while others are far more flexible. Organisations such as the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) support families in navigating these regulations (HSLDA, 2024).

🇫🇷 France

Home education is legal but was significantly restricted in 2022 following changes to the French Education Code under loi confortant le respect des principes de la République. Previously, families only needed to declare their intention to home educate. Now, they must apply for authorisation under limited grounds:

• Health needs

• Intensive sports or arts training

• A lifestyle involving frequent travel

• Geographical isolation from schools

(HSLDA)

🇫🇮 Finland

Home education is legal in Finland, and children typically begin school at age 7. Parents do not need permission to home educate, but municipalities are responsible for monitoring the child’s progress. The law requires that children receive education equivalent to that offered in schools (Finnish National Agency for Education). If the educational standard is not met, legal measures, including fines, may be imposed.

Other Countries

Home education is also recognised in countries such as Canada, New Zealand, India, and Denmark, although regulations vary. For example, in New Zealand, families must apply for an exemption and demonstrate that their child will be taught "as regularly and as well" as they would be in school (New Zealand Ministry of Education).

The UK Context in Comparison

Compared to many countries, the UK maintains relatively low levels of regulation. There is no national registration system (at present), and families are not obligated to follow a specific curriculum or undergo formal assessment, unless concerns are raised (UK Government, 2019).

In other countries, even where home education is permitted, it may be contingent on meeting strict criteria or adhering to government-approved syllabi. In some cases, authorities assess children's work regularly, and approval may be withdrawn if standards are not met.

Reflecting on Educational Autonomy

Examining home education practices globally reveals a broad spectrum of legal approaches and cultural attitudes. Some countries view home education as a legitimate form of personalised learning; others treat it with caution or restrict it entirely.

In the UK, families currently benefit from a framework that affords a significant degree of autonomy. While future policy developments may change this, the present legal position allows parents to shape their child's education in line with individual needs, interests, and values — an approach that is not universally available.