Homeschooling in Northern Ireland
The legal duty, in one short page, and what we could not confirm.
The Department of Education Northern Ireland says that under Article 45(1) of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, parents of children of compulsory school age must arrange full-time education suitable to age, ability and aptitude, and this can be through school or otherwise, including home education. Its page does not say whether you must register.
Checked October 29, 2026.
This is a plain-words summary, not legal advice. Laws change: check your state's current law and its education department before you act.
What the law says
Parents of compulsory-school-age children must arrange full-time education suitable to age, ability and aptitude. It may be by regular attendance at school or otherwise, which includes home education.
What we could not confirm
The department's page, as we read it on 29 Oct 2026, does not describe registration, withdrawal from school or the Education Authority's role. Ask the Education Authority.
Sources
- Department of Education Northern Ireland: Elective home education (checked October 29, 2026)