Deciding to remove a child from school and begin homeschooling (also called home education or elective home education) can feel like a big, emotional step. One of the first practical steps is writing a deregistration letter. This page explains what it is, what to include, and how to send it with confidence.
What Is a Deregistration Letter?
A deregistration letter is a formal letter or email sent to your child’s school to let them know your child will no longer be attending and will instead be educated at home.
In the UK, parents have a legal right to educate their children at home. You do not need permission from the school to do this if your child attends a mainstream school (not a special school named in an EHCP).
The letter simply tells the school your child is being withdrawn, you are taking responsibility for their education, and the date the deregistration takes effect.
Why Writing the Letter Can Feel Hard
Even though the letter itself is simple, writing it can bring up lots of feelings. Parents often feel nervous, guilty, worried about judgement, or unsure what happens next.
Whatever your situation, choosing homeschooling is about protecting your child’s wellbeing and supporting how they learn best.
What to Include in a Deregistration Letter
Most letters include:
- Your child’s full name
- Your child’s date of birth
- The name of the school
- A clear statement that you are deregistering your child
- The date the deregistration takes effect
- A polite closing
That’s all that’s required. You can keep it short, calm, and factual.
What You Do Not Have to Include
You do not have to:
- Explain why school didn’t work
- Share medical or mental health information
- Describe your homeschooling plans
- Ask for approval or permission
- Agree to meetings with the school before deregistering
Once the letter is received, your child should be removed from the school roll.
Sending the Letter
You can usually send the deregistration letter by email, post, or hand delivery.
It’s a good idea to:
- Keep a copy of the letter
- Save any replies from the school
- Make a note of the date you sent it
What Happens After Deregistration?
After deregistration, the school will notify the local authority that your child is now home educated. You may hear from the local authority at some point — this is normal.
Homeschooling does not have to look like school at home. Learning can happen through reading, projects, days out, creativity, life skills, and real-world experiences.
Trusting Your Decision
Many families choose homeschooling because they have watched their child become anxious, lose confidence, struggle with pressure, or stop enjoying learning.
Homeschooling often gives children time to recover, breathe, and rediscover who they are.
A Final Thought
Writing a deregistration letter might feel like a small step, but it often marks the beginning of something much bigger: a chance for your child to learn in a way that truly works for them.
If you’re not sure where to start, try using a simple deregistration letter template to get you started.