Tallybook

Guide · For parents

Deregistration letter template for England

This letter is for a child at a mainstream school in England. Do not use it as it stands if your child is at a special school the council arranged, if a school attendance order is in force, or if you live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Last checked 10 November 2026. This is a starting point, not legal advice.

The letter

[Your name] [Your address] [Date]

[Head teacher's name] [School name and address]

Dear [head teacher's name],

Re: [child's full name], date of birth [date], [class or year group]

I am writing to tell you that I am withdrawing [child's name] from [school name] in order to educate [him/her/them] otherwise than at school.

[Child's name]'s last day of attendance will be [date].

Please remove [his/her/their] name from the admission register from that date, in accordance with the School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024, and confirm in writing that you have done so.

Yours sincerely, [Your name]

How to send it

  • Email it to the head teacher and the school office, or hand it in and ask for a receipt.
  • Keep a dated copy.
  • Chase politely if you have no confirmation within a week.

What you can leave out

  • your reasons
  • details of how you will educate your child
  • any request for permission

When this letter is not enough

Council-arranged special school place. You need the council's consent first. Write to the council as well as the school.

School attendance order in force. Ask the council to revoke it before you withdraw.

Child protection enquiries or plan. Once section 37 of the 2026 Act is in force, you will need the council's consent. It is not in force yet.

Outside England

  • Wales: write to the school. Different regulations apply, so remove the reference to the 2024 Regulations.
  • Scotland: you need the council's consent to withdraw from a public school. Write to the council.
  • Northern Ireland: write to the school principal. Different law applies.

What happens next

The school tells the council. Expect the council to contact you. Our guide to answering a council enquiry explains how to reply.

Sources