Tallybook

Guide · For parents

How to deregister your child from school in England

For most children, you write to the school to say you are taking responsibility for your child's education at home. The school then removes your child from its roll and tells the council. You do not need anyone's permission, with two exceptions.

Last checked 10 November 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.

The steps

  1. Write to the head teacher. Say that you are withdrawing your child to educate them otherwise than at school. Give your child's name and the last day they will attend.
  2. Date it and keep a copy. Email is fine if you can show it was sent.
  3. The school removes your child's name. This happens under the School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024.
  4. The school tells the council. You do not have to.

Why putting it in writing matters

Until your child is off the roll, they are expected to attend. Government guidance warns that a parent could still be at risk of prosecution for non-attendance in that gap. A dated letter protects you.

You don't have to give reasons

You are not required to explain your decision to the school or the council.

The two exceptions today

Special schools. If the council arranged your child's place at a special school, you need the council's consent before the school can remove them.

School attendance orders. If an order is in force, the council must revoke or amend it first.

If your child has never been to school

There is nothing to deregister. You simply continue.

If the school pushes you to withdraw

Pressure to home educate, to avoid an exclusion or because of behaviour or learning difficulties, is called off-rolling. Government guidance says it is unacceptable. Tell the council if it happens.

What the 2026 Act will change

These are not in force yet.

  • Consent will also be needed for children who are the subject of child protection enquiries or action, including action in the previous five years.
  • When any parent tells a school they intend to home educate, the school must tell the council.
  • Once the register starts, you will have to notify the council within 15 days of your child becoming eligible.

What happens next

Expect the council to get in touch. Our guide to answering a council enquiry explains how to reply.

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