Great Britain Reveals Favorable Home-Schooling Law
Through the efforts of Christian Solidarity International (CSI), an international human rights organization, HSLDA learned that Great Britain's Department of Education recently revealed a fairly favorable legal environment for home schooling in that nation. The applicable law declares that a parent must cause each child to receive “efficient full-time education suitable to his age, ability, and aptitude, and to any special education needs he may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.” The Department of Education recognizes that this approach clearly permits home schooling.
The Department takes the position that home schoolers should contact their local school authorities to demonstrate that the education being provided meets the standards listed above. This situation is not unlike many states which have “equivalency-type” laws. The standards may be vague, but it can be an amicable situation if the local authorities cooperate.
This information was obtained upon request of an HSLDA member family who were contemplating a move to Great Britain. Michael Farris, who serves on the International Board of CSI, contacted his counterpart in Great Britain for assistance. CSI-Britain arranged for a member of Parliament to request the needed advice from the Department of Education.
CSI-Germany is in the process of inquiring into a home-schooling conflict between parents and educational authorities in that country. German authorities take the position that home schooling is not permitted. CSI's address in the United States is P.O. Box 24042, Washington, DC 20024.
