Quick Picks – Best Homeschooling Programs in the UK (2024)
Best Overall Program for British Curriculum
King’s InterHigh. With a 7/10 overall rating and 10/10 for affordability, this online school combines structure, live lessons, and full UK curriculum coverage for Key Stages 2–5 (age 7–18). Fees range from £2,400–£4,250/year. Praised for flexibility, qualified teachers, and strong parent/student support.
Best Value for Families on a Budget
Oak National Academy (supplementary, free): Offers video-based National Curriculum lessons for Years 1–11, suitable for low-cost homeschooling, though it lacks live teacher support and formal structure.
Best for Faith-Based Education
TEACH (European Academy for Christian Homeschooling): Specialises in Christian curriculum, group support, and guidance on biblical worldviews; resources start under £1,000/year, with wide age coverage. Many UK Christian families also use US-based or mixed curricula via local support groups.
Best for Flexibility and Customisation
Cambridge Home School Online: Renowned for tailored learning, travel-friendly scheduling, and advanced subject choices beyond the National Curriculum. Accepts mid-year entry; MA/PhD qualified teachers; fees not publicly listed, but comparable to top online providers.
Best for Secondary (GCSE/iGCSE/A-Levels)
Wolsey Hall Oxford: Established since 1894, excels at exam prep, structured IGCSE/A-level courses, and strong tutor support. Parent feedback highlights strong grades and smooth transitions to university or employment.
Best Alternative or Progressive Option
TSH Anywhere (TSHA): Offers secular, hands-on, screen-minimal, developmentally-appropriate learning for primary years (Pre-K to 6th), using an American Emergent Curriculum. Affordability and flexibility praised; ideal for families seeking non-traditional routes.
How We Selected the Best Homeschooling Programs UK
Evaluation Criteria: Curriculum, Delivery, Support & Cost
- Curriculum alignment: Preference for programs following the British (National or Cambridge) curriculum; also included accredited and international alternatives for special needs.
- Delivery and flexibility: Inclusion of both live and on-demand lessons, self-paced options, and compatibility with travel or irregular schedules.
- Support: Availability of qualified tutors, response times, special needs resources, and parent/community networks.
- Cost: Range from free (e.g., Oak National Academy) to £2,500–£6,800 per year for premium programs. Affordability and scholarships rated.
Research Process and 2024 Policy Updates
Programs were shortlisted using provider data, independent review sites, parent-teacher groups, and UK government curriculum guidelines. In 2024, regulatory updates affected homeschool reporting (see below); programs were evaluated for their adaptability to new legal requirements and transparency in reporting exam outcomes.
Parent and Student Feedback
Final selections took into account average parent ratings (6/10 to 10/10 for affordability, flexibility, and support) as well as qualitative testimonials on exam success, support access, and social/community experiences. Where available, Trustpilot and survey scores were checked for consistency.
In-Depth Reviews: Top 10 Homeschooling Programs UK (2024)
King’s InterHigh
- Key Features: Live classes, flexible enrolment, qualified UK teachers, clubs, and university progression support
- Curriculum: Full British (KS2–5, iGCSE, A-Level)
- Age Range: 7–18
- Fees: £2,400–£4,250/year
- Pros: Flexibility, structured lessons, affordability
- Cons: Large student base may limit 1:1 interaction
Wolsey Hall Oxford
- Key Features: Established 1894, accredited, global reach, tutor-marked assignments, progress tracking
- Curriculum: British (KS1–5, iGCSE, A-Level)
- Age Range: 5–19
- Fees: Not specified (affordable based on parent reviews)
- Pros: Strong IGCSE/A-level prep, flexible enrolment, personalised support
- Cons: Some subjects require external exam arrangement
Eureka Learning
- Key Features: Homeschooling-focused, live lessons, ongoing academic support
- Curriculum: Cambridge International GCSE & A-Level
- Age Range: 5–19
- Fees: £3,100–£4,860/year
- Pros: Highly rated parent satisfaction, strong for GCSE exams
- Cons: Not all subjects available; pricing premium
The Learning Circle
- Key Features: Live/on-demand lessons, project-based learning, support for different learning needs
- Curriculum: National Curriculum (Primary–Sixth Form)
- Age Range: 7–18
- Fees: £2,200–£6,830/year
- Pros: Mixed delivery suits varied students
- Cons: High-tier pricing
Cambridge Home School Online
- Key Features: Live, small group lessons, MA/PhD teachers, focus on high-ability and flexible learning
- Curriculum: Cambridge International, expanded subject choice
- Age Range: 7–19
- Fees: Not listed (premium segment)
- Pros: Flexible for travel; bespoke advice for university entry
- Cons: Selective admission, high costs
Oxford Home Schooling
- Key Features: Printed/online resources, tutor support, extensive GCSE/A-Level range
- Curriculum: GCSE/International GCSE, A-Levels
- Age Range: 11–19
- Fees: Typically £400–£900 per GCSE
- Pros: Flexibility, print-friendly coursework
- Cons: Less interactive
Queens Online School
- Key Features: Virtual British school, comprehensive live lessons, extracurriculars
- Curriculum: KS2–A-Levels (British)
- Age Range: 7–19
- Fees: £2,000–£6,000/year
- Pros: Structured, robust live support, valued community
- Cons: Limited info on university destinations
TSH Anywhere (TSHA)
- Key Features: Screen-light, hands-on curriculum, micro-school approach, secular
- Curriculum: Emergent (Pre-K–Year 6; US-style, tailored for UK)
- Age Range: 4–12
- Fees: £50–£120/month
- Pros: Affordable, excellent for neurodiverse/creative learners
- Cons: No formal KS alignment above Year 6
TEACH (European Academy for Christian Homeschooling)
- Key Features: Christian-based support, global network, curriculum guidance
- Curriculum: Christian (mixed US/UK resources)
- Age Range: All
- Fees: Variable (membership and resource-based)
- Pros: Focused support for faith-based families
- Cons: Not aligned to British exam boards by default
Open Study College
- Key Features: Printable/online A-Levels and GCSEs, tutor support, independent learning
- Curriculum: GCSE, A-Level (UK Boards)
- Age Range: 16–19
- Fees: £395–£495 per course (GCSE/A-Level)
- Pros: Highly flexible, supports independent learners
- Cons: Minimal peer interaction
Side-by-Side Curriculum & Pricing Comparison Table (2024)
Visual Table – UK Curriculum Coverage (KS1-5, GCSE, A-Level, etc.)
| Program | Curriculum Coverage | Typical Annual Fees (£) | Age Range | Live Lessons | Exam Support | Accredited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King’s InterHigh | KS2–5, GCSE, A-Level | 2,400–4,250 | 7–18 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wolsey Hall Oxford | KS1–5, IGCSE, A-Level | Variable | 5–19 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cambridge Home School Online | KS2–5, Cambridge Int’l | Not Published | 7–19 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Eureka Learning | Cambridge GCSE/A-Level | 3,100–4,860 | 5–19 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| The Learning Circle | KS1–5, GCSE/A-Level | 2,200–6,830 | 7–18 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TSH Anywhere | Emergent (Pre-K–6, US) | ~600–1,500 | 4–12 | No | No | No |
| TEACH (Christian) | Varied (Faith-based) | <1,000+ | All | No | Optional | No |
| Open Study College | GCSE/A-Level | 400–900 (per subject) | 16–19 | No | Yes | Yes |
Fees, Flexibility, and Accreditation at a Glance
- Most comprehensive programs cost £2,000–£4,500 per year.
- Free/supplementary: Oak National Academy, Khan Academy, Ambleside Online (limited or non-accredited).
- Programs like Wolsey Hall Oxford, King’s InterHigh, and Cambridge Home School Online are accredited and support British exam entry.
Secular vs Faith-Based Homeschooling in the UK
Best Secular Programs for UK Families
King’s InterHigh, Wolsey Hall Oxford, Cambridge Home School Online, and TSH Anywhere all provide secular curricula validated by British or international standards. Most UK homeschoolers choose secular curricula for ease of exam entry and regulatory compliance.
Top Faith-Based Options (Christian, Muslim, etc.)
TEACH is the leading Christian full-service provider, while many faith-based families use UK curriculum with supplements addressing religious studies. For Muslim families, custom curriculum pathways and local family/masjid networks are popular; however, data on results is limited.
How to Choose for Your Family’s Needs
- Consider required qualifications (GCSE/A-Level), worldview priorities, and child’s learning style.
- Faith-based options suit families seeking explicit religious integration; most others are neutral/secular.
- Check exam compatibility: faith-based curricula may require additional support for UK-standard GCSE/A-Level exams.
Homeschooling in the UK: Rules, Support & 2024 Regulatory Changes
Legal Requirements and Reporting in 2024
- Education Act 1996, Section 7: Parents must provide “efficient, full-time education suitable to age, ability, and aptitude,” but there’s no prescribed curriculum or inspection.
- 2024 Change: Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill mandates compulsory local registers of children not in school; local authorities intervene if education is “unsuitable” or for safeguarding issues. Parents lose automatic homeschooling rights during child protection plans.
- To deregister: Notify the headteacher in writing; school informs authority. Updated August 2024 regulations clarify local authority roles.
Local Support Networks and Resources
Home Education Advisory Service (HEAS), regional resource exchanges, and workshop groups provide orientation, legal guidance, and peer support. Local authority services may include library or sports facility access; 66,000+ children in England registered as homeschooled in the 2023-24 academic year.
Recent Changes Impacting Homeschoolers
- Compulsory registers introduced in 2024; increased scrutiny for suitability but no home entry powers without cause.
- Scotland and Northern Ireland maintain distinct procedures (e.g., consent required pre-withdrawal in Scotland).
- No significant national funding/support initiatives introduced in 2024.
Parent & Student Voices: Real Experiences with UK Homeschooling Programs
Success Stories from Different Age Groups
Parents report excellent IGCSE/A-Level outcomes, ease of university entry, and improved mental health with flexible or well-supported programs (King’s InterHigh, Wolsey Hall Oxford). Younger learners excel in hands-on programs like TSHA and forest school groups. Case studies highlight students gaining 8–10 IGCSEs, with over 85% achieving A*-C grades via distance learning (Wolsey Hall data, 2022–23 cohort).
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- Initial isolation – mitigated by joining local co-ops or online study groups
- Exam entry logistics – solved by using programs that assist with registration or provide direct centre links
- Subject coverage – many supplement core online learning with specialist tutors or free platforms like Khan Academy
FAQs – Homeschooling Programs in the UK (2024 Update)
Accreditation, University Entry & Exams
- Most leading providers (King’s InterHigh, Wolsey Hall Oxford, Cambridge Home School) are accredited and facilitate entry for iGCSE/A-Level and UK university pathways.
- External candidates need to use exam centres; leading programs offer support and documentation.
Socialisation & Extracurriculars
- Supported via local co-ops, online clubs, and in-person field trips (Classical Conversations, Forest School London).
Transitioning from School to Homeschooling
- Write to your child’s school to deregister. Seek orientation via HEAS or online parent communities for a smooth adjustment.
Further Resources for UK Homeschoolers
Government Help & Online Support
- Home Education Advisory Service (HEAS)
- Local authority home education teams (vary by region)
- Family Lives helpline
Supplementary Learning Tools (Free & Paid)
- Khan Academy, Oak National Academy, Ambleside Online (free)
- Forest School, after-school enrichment clubs, specialist tutors
Community Events and Online Meetups
- Classical Conversations UK: 20+ active communities in 2024
- Local co-ops, Forest School sessions (e.g., Hampstead Heath Mondays 10am–2pm), urbanoutdoorslondon.co.uk
CTA: Explore direct program links for up-to-date pricing, registration, and detailed support (King’s InterHigh, Wolsey Hall Oxford, Cambridge Home School Online, TSH Anywhere, TEACH). For legal updates, consult Gov.uk Elective Home Education. For parent support, join national and local Facebook groups or consult HEAS.