MADE FOR FAMILIES IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Home education in Northern Ireland, planned for you
Tell Kuraplan your children's ages and what Northern Ireland expects. It writes lessons, worksheets and the records you need, in the language of the Northern Ireland Curriculum.
Home education in Northern Ireland: the rules, the registration and a plan that works
Home education in Northern Ireland is legal under Article 45 of the 1986 Education Order, which mirrors the rest of the UK in requiring a suitable education 'at school or otherwise'. The Education Authority (EA) has an elective home education policy and expects parents to inform it when they withdraw a child from school, and it may ask for information about the education provided.
Compulsory school age begins at four in Northern Ireland, earlier than elsewhere in the UK, so families with young children need to be aware of the duty earlier. This guide covers the process, the EA's expectations, and the exam route via CCEA and English boards.
Last reviewed 2026-09-07. Informational, not legal advice. Verify with Education Authority NI: elective home education before acting.
Step by step
How to start home education in Northern Ireland
- 1
Inform the school and the EA
Write to the school to withdraw the child; the school notifies the EA. It is good practice to write to the EA's EHE team directly as well. Children who have never attended school do not need to be registered, though the EA encourages contact.
- 2
Respond to the EA
The EA may ask for a description of the education you provide. A written outline is normally sufficient; visits are by agreement.
- 3
Provide a suitable education
No prescribed curriculum, hours or tests. The Northern Ireland Curriculum is an optional reference.
- 4
Plan qualifications
GCSEs via CCEA or English boards as a private candidate; access to centres is more limited than in England, so book early.
Northern Ireland requirements at a glance
Legal basis: Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, Article 45; Education Authority EHE policy.
- Notification
- Inform the school when withdrawing; the EA expects to be informed. No formal registration form.
- Curriculum
- None prescribed.
- Hours
- No minimum.
- Assessment
- None compulsory. The EA may request information about the education.
- Records
- Not required by law; keep a summary for the EA.
Dates to put on your calendar
- Exam entries: autumn for the summer series; secure a centre first.
- Compulsory school age begins the September after the child's fourth birthday (with the July 1 cut-off), so the duty to educate starts early.
Curriculum
The Northern Ireland Curriculum (Foundation Stage, Key Stages 1–4) is optional. Most families reference it for literacy and numeracy.
Assessment
No compulsory assessment. GCSEs and A-levels as a private candidate; fewer centres accept private candidates than in England, so plan early.
Funding
None.
Plan it with Kuraplan
Turn the rules into a week that works
Kuraplan knows the Northern Ireland Curriculum. Tell it your children's ages and it builds lessons, worksheets and the plan or report your Education Authority NI paperwork asks for.
Plans in Northern Ireland Curriculum terms
Learning plans, program summaries and progress reports written in the vocabulary your regulator expects, ready to edit and submit.
Lessons for every child at once
One family topic, output at each child's level: a drawing task, a paragraph, an essay. Printables included.
Records without the scramble
Keep completed work together so the annual review, report or portfolio is a summary, not a reconstruction.
One lesson. All your kids.
$49/yr flat, no per-child fees
Write one family lesson, then adjust the reading level, the practice and the response format for each child without rebuilding the day.
Northern Ireland home education FAQ
Is home education legal in Northern Ireland?
Yes, under Article 45 of the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986. Parents must ensure a suitable education at school or otherwise.
Do I need permission from the Education Authority?
No, but you should inform the school when withdrawing and the EA expects to be told. The EA may then ask for information about the education you provide.
When does compulsory school age start in Northern Ireland?
Earlier than the rest of the UK: children start the September after their fourth birthday (born on or before 1 July). The duty to provide education applies from then.
Can home-educated children sit GCSEs in Northern Ireland?
Yes, as private candidates through CCEA or English boards. Centres that accept private candidates are limited; ask the EA and local schools early.
Is there a home education register in Northern Ireland?
No formal register. The EA keeps records of children it knows to be home educated. The 2026 English register does not apply.
Informational, not legal advice. Rules and forms change; verify with Education Authority NI: elective home education before acting. Reviewed 2026-09-07.
Other United Kingdom guides
Homeschool guides for other countries
Your Northern Ireland home education year, in one place
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