Homeschooling is the trend.
In recent years, homeschooling has seen a remarkable rise globally, fueled by a growing demand for flexible, personalised education that meets the unique needs of each child. More parents are choosing homeschooling as an alternative to traditional schooling for several reasons such as:
- Flexibility: Homeschooling allows families to adapt the school day to fit their schedules, letting children learn at their own pace without the constraints of a traditional school timetable. This is especially useful for families who travel, live in remote areas, or have children with varying strengths in different subjects.
- Tailored learning: Homeschooling provides personalised instruction, adapting to each child’s learning style and needs. Children with learning difficulties or those who excel in certain subjects benefit from one-on-one attention and customized lessons, which is often challenging to achieve in traditional classrooms.
- Philosophical beliefs: Homeschooling enables parents to incorporate religious or philosophical teachings into the curriculum, which may not be possible in secular schools, allowing for values-based education.
- Concerns about school environment: Homeschooling offers a safe, controlled environment, protecting children from issues like bullying, peer pressure, and large class sizes, helping them thrive emotionally and mentally.
Additionally, the rise of technology has made homeschooling easier than ever before. With online learning platforms, live virtual lessons, and a wealth of digital resources, homeschooling families can now access high-quality education from anywhere in the world. This global shift toward online education has made it possible for children to receive a structured, comprehensive education from home, with the support of certified teachers and well-designed curriculum.
Understanding the Legal Requirements
In the UK
In the UK, parents have the legal right to homeschool their children under the Education Act 1996, which stipulates that children must receive an education suitable to their age, ability, and aptitude, either through regular school attendance or other means, with homeschooling falling under the latter category. While parents are not required to seek permission to homeschool, those with children already enrolled in school must notify the school in writing to deregister them, after which the school informs the local authority; if a child has never been registered, no formal notification is needed, though informing the local authority is recommended for clarity.
Parents enjoy the freedom to choose or design a curriculum that meets their child’s needs without being obligated to follow the UK National Curriculum, provided the education is full-time and appropriate for the child’s age and abilities. Local authorities are tasked with ensuring that children receive a suitable education and may contact homeschooling families for information or conduct informal visits to assess progress, but they cannot insist on formal inspections or testing unless concerns arise.
Homeschooled children are still eligible to take formal qualifications such as GCSEs and A-Levels by registering as private candidates at examination centers, with flexible options like IGCSEs often being popular among homeschooling families, allowing parents to arrange independent exam-taking for their children.
In the USA
In the USA, homeschooling laws vary significantly by state, with some states imposing minimal notification and oversight requirements while others have stricter regulations. For instance, some states may require parents to submit an intent to homeschool or a detailed educational plan, alongside specified guidelines for progress reports and assessments that can affect how families structure their homeschooling.
Parents have the flexibility to choose or create their own curriculum, with some states outlining required subjects while others allow complete freedom in selecting materials tailored to their child’s learning style and interests. Many states also mandate that homeschooling families maintain certain records to prove their child is receiving an appropriate education, which may include daily logs, attendance records, and portfolios of completed work; the extent of documentation varies widely, affecting accountability and compliance with local authorities.
Additionally, requirements for standardised testing, assessments, or evaluations differ among states, with some mandating annual tests for homeschooled students, while others do not. Parents might opt for informal assessments or alternative evaluation methods to track progress.
Regarding high school diplomas, homeschool students can earn them through various means; some states have specific requirements, while others allow parents to issue diplomas independently. For college admissions, homeschooled students apply using similar processes as traditional students, often needing to submit transcripts, standardised test scores like the SAT or ACT, letters of recommendation, and other materials, with many colleges recognising homeschooling as a valid form of education and having specific admissions policies for homeschooled applicants.
Al Rushd: Supporting Homeschooling Families Internationally
Al Rushd Independent School provides an ideal solution for parents who want the flexibility and benefits of homeschooling, coupled with the structure and expertise of a traditional school.
Our dedicated team of qualified teachers delivers live, interactive lessons that ensure students receive a high-quality education that meets national standards. Whether you live in the U.K., the U.S., or beyond, our platform is designed to offer a complete learning experience from the comfort of your home. Students can access lessons, homework, and assessments at their convenience, making it easier for families to balance their educational goals with their lifestyle.
How does Al-Rushd Homeschooling approach work?
While the U.K or U.S. government does not mandate that homeschooling parents follow the national curriculum, many parents find it helpful to have the structure and guidance it provides. With Al-Rushd, you don’t have to design your own curriculum from scratch. Our school offers a comprehensive curriculum that is aligned with the U.K. standards, making it easier for parents to ensure their children are learning the appropriate subjects at the correct levels.
Curriculum and Resources
Al-Rushd offers a structured curriculum aligned with the UK National Curriculum for students from Year 1 to Year 13 for all core subjects and additional areas such as History, Business, ICT, and Islamic Studies. This ensures that parents can trust we offer high-quality educational materials and lesson plans, effectively covering all essential subjects. Additionally, we provide access to the Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel support, catering to the diverse educational needs of our GCSE and A-Level students.
- Online learning flexibility:
Al-Rushd emphasises flexibility in its approach to online education, offering classes and materials that seamlessly fit into homeschooling schedules. We follow a structured timetable from 9 AM to 2.15 PM. This framework allows families to select when and how they engage with lessons, accommodating diverse family routines and preferences.
- Qualified teachers:
Experience learning with our qualified and well trained teachers who can assist with subjects where parents may feel less confident. This support ensures that students receive expert guidance in their studies, enhancing their overall educational experience.
- Assessment and feedback:
Al-Rushd is committed to regularly assessing student performance and tracking progress, providing parents with valuable insights into their child’s academic development. Weekly progress checks ensure that students remain on track with lessons and complete their homework on time. Additionally, Al-Rushd offers resources and support for exam preparation, helping homeschooled students stay focused and ready for formal assessments.
- Islamic Education:
The curriculum integrates Islamic values and teachings, supporting families who wish to incorporate faith-based education into their homeschooling. This approach ensures that students receive both secular and religious education at the same time.
- Learning Materials and Tools:
To enhance the homeschooling experience, Al-Rushd offers recommendations for a wide range of physical and online learning materials and tools. These resources are carefully selected to support various subjects and learning styles, ensuring that families have access to high-quality educational content. From textbooks and workbooks to interactive online platforms and educational games such as Kahoot, we provide provides families with the tools they need to create an engaging and effective learning environment for their child.
Creating a Homeschooling Plan with Al-Rushd
Families can create a personalised educational plan by combining structured classes from Al-Rushd tailoring the learning process to fit each child’s unique needs and interests. By incorporating core subjects such as Math, English, Science, and Islamic Studies into their homeschool routine alongside Al Rushd’s offerings, parents can ensure their children receive a well-rounded education. Additionally, using Al Rushd’s digital platforms and resources enhances the learning experience by providing access to supplementary materials and interactive elements that actively engage students in their studies.
Examinations and Certifications
UK-Based Examinations:
Al-Rushd assists homeschooled students in registering and preparing for formal qualifications like GCSEs, IGCSEs and A-Levels, ensuring they meet academic standards.
US-Based Examinations:
For families homeschooling in the USA, Al Rushd can support students in preparing for standardised tests, helping them to navigate the requirements for college admissions.
Balance Homeschooling requirements and Online Learning with Al-Rushd
With Al-Rushd’s structured online school program, parents can feel reassured knowing that their child’s education is well-documented and meets the necessary legal requirements. Our certified curriculum, regular assessments, and detailed progress reports can be shared with local authorities, reducing the need for additional inspections. This makes the process of homeschooling smoother for parents, as they don’t need to worry about proving the adequacy of their child’s education on their own.