Parents/guardians are within their rights to make a request to educate their child at home rather have them taught at one of the local authority schools.

Any parent/guardian can choose to do this as long as they provide an efficient education that is suitable for the age, ability and aptitude of the child.

Parents/guardians have a responsibility to inform the education authority that they wish to withdraw their child from school in order to educate them at home and to request the authority’s consent.

Parents/guardians who choose to educate their children at home do not have to follow the traditional school curriculum and do not have to use a fixed timetable that keeps to school hours and terms.   They need to demonstrate that they are providing an education that is suitable for the child, with appropriate variety, resources and access to other children.

It is the parent's/guardian's responsibility to provide the curriculum and resources and to meet any costs associated with this.

There is no legal requirement for young people to take a particular set of qualifications.  The internal assessment component of many qualifications such as Standard Grades can restrict the certification of external candidates.

Parents/guardians educating their children at home can make arrangements for their children to sit formal exams (for example, through their local college). 

Parents/guardians are responsible for any costs associated with this.

The Adviser in Parent Partnership will contact the family to arrange a meeting. 

Parents/guardians are given an opportunity to outline their plans for education at home. 

Following this meeting, parents/guardians will receive a letter informing them whether the request is granted or whether further information will be required.

If consent is granted, the child’s name will be removed from the school roll. From this time the parents/guardians are responsible for providing their child with an efficient and suitable education.

Glasgow City Council will seek at all stages to allow a child to have the opportunity to express their view.

If consent is not granted, the Council must be clear about why the request has been refused.  The parents/guardians will be given the opportunity to address the grounds on which it has been refused and resubmit their request if they wish.

The Adviser in Parent Partnership will make contact with the family on at least an annual basis to review progress and offer advice if requested.

Parents can choose whether to provide a written update or have a meeting.  The child’s views are also sought.

After each visit, the Adviser in Parent Partnership prepares a report for the Authority.  A copy of the report is sent to the parents.  If there are concerns about the educational provision, more frequent contact may be requested.

In situations where concerns have been identified and the parent/guardian has subsequently failed to improve matters, the Council can make an attendance order.  This allows the parent/guardian up to 14 days to provide the Council with information to satisfy them about the quality of education on offer.  If this is not done, the child will be expected to return to school.

A parent’s/guardian's right to educate their child at home is not changed if their child has additional support needs.  However, it is reasonable for the Council to ask parents/guardians how they plan to cater for their child’s needs at home.

The Council has no obligation to provide financial or other support for children with additional support needs who are educated at home. 

If you would like more information on education at home, please contact the Adviser in Parent Partnership.
Phone: 0141 287 4047

Copies of guidelines and application form can be obtained from:
Children and Young People Support

Centenary House
100 Morrison Street
Glasgow G5 8LN
Phone: 0141 287 4641
Contact Us -  online enquiries