Primrose Kitten
Do home-educated students have to follow the National Curriculum?
One of the great advantages of home education is the flexibility it provides. Home-educated students are not required to follow the National Curriculums. While students in mainstream schools must adhere to the curriculum set by the Department for Education, home educators have the freedom to design a learning approach that suits their child's individual needs, interests, and pace. This allows for a much more personalised and creative education journey, which can be particularly beneficial for students who thrive outside a traditional classroom setting.
While the National Curriculum is a guide schools use, it is not mandatory for home-educating families. If you and your child prefer a more flexible approach to learning, you can choose to incorporate different subjects, teaching methods, and even alternative qualifications.
That being said, it's important to note that GCSE and A-Level exams are based on National Curriculum content. Although you are not required to follow the curriculum as a home educator, you will still need to ensure that your child covers the relevant material if they are preparing for exams.
Exploring Non-Traditional Subjects
Many home-educated students explore subjects not typically offered in mainstream schools. These could include philosophy, astronomy, creative writing, or computer programming. If your child has a particular passion, home education offers the flexibility to give them space to dive deeply into those interests.
Some families also include life skills, entrepreneurship, or financial literacy in their home education, which can provide valuable, practical knowledge.
Consider Spreading GCSEs Over Multiple Years
Home-educated students have the flexibility to take their GCSEs or A-Levels when they are ready, which means they don't have to take all subjects at once. Some families choose to spread subjects over two or more years, allowing students to focus deeply on fewer subjects at a time. This can also make room for interest-led learning alongside exam preparation.
