Number of homeschooled kids in Northern Ireland rising in most areas

Parents legally have the right to educate their children at home

The number of children being homeschooled is rising in most areas of Northern Ireland, new figures reveal.

A freedom of information request submitted by Belfast Live to the Education Authority shows that in nine out of Northern Ireland’s eleven council areas, the number of children being deregistered from mainstream education is on the rise.

School deregistration is the formal process of removing a child’s name from a school register to enable home education. To deregister, parents must send a written request to the headteacher, effective immediately upon the school’s receipt of the letter.

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In the 2020-21 academic year, there were 33 children who had been deregistered from school in the Belfast City Council area, with this rising to 65 in 2024-25.

In the Antrim & Newtownabbey Council area, 15 children were deregistered in 2020-21, rising to 46 for the 2024-25 year. In the Ards & North Down area, these numbers have risen from 19 in 2020-21 to 39 in 2024-25.

Full figures for number of homeschooled children across Northern Ireland:

Speaking about the figures, a spokesperson for the Education Authority said: “Education legislation enables parents to secure their child’s “efficient full-time education” either at school or outside of the formal school environment process.

“The Education Authority (EA) has developed detailed guidelines for Elective Home Education.

“The purpose of these guidelines includes: supporting parents in ensuring that children receive a suitable education when educated at home; promoting good practice by clearly defining the legislation and the respective roles and responsibilities of parents, the EA, and schools.

“The EA’s Elective Home Education Team provides support and advice to parents and schools. Advice covers matters such as the process of de-registration from school, curriculum, future enrolment at school, as well as any concerns or issues parents may raise.”

Parents in Northern Ireland legally have the right to educate their children at home, under the legal obligation to ensure the child receives full-time education from age four to 16.

However, there is no obligation for homeschooled children to follow the curriculum or take tests, but parents or guardians are required by law to ensure they receive full-time education suitable to their age, ability, and aptitude. Parents or guardians also do not need to be a qualified teacher.

The Education Authority in your region may provide guidance on the material which may be suitable for you to use, and they may also visit you annually to advise on how your child is progressing. If it appears that a child is not receiving a suitable education, the EA might serve a school-attendance order.

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