Flexi-schooling

Flexi-schooling is an arrangement where an electively home educated child receives part of their education at a school. If the child is aged 14 or above, this may be at a further education college or other 16-19 provider.

While flexi-schooling is a legal option for parents to explore, it is not an automatic right. It must be agreed with the headteacher or principal of the child’s school or college setting. 

If you request a flexi-schooling arrangement, the headteacher or principal will want to meet with you. This will be to discuss the situation and hear your plans before reaching a decision. 

If the headteacher does not agree to your request you will be informed in writing. 

If the headteacher is willing to agree to your request further discussions will be needed. This is so that a written agreement can be drawn up, agreed and signed by both parties. You will take responsibility for your child’s education provision whilst not in school. Written confirmation will be required of your intention to do so. Your headteacher is required to notify the council of the arrangements in place.

If your child is not currently enrolled in a school you will need to formally apply for a school place. Your application should make clear that you are applying for a flexi-schooling arrangement and not a full-time school place.

There is no parental right to appeal against the decision of a headteacher to:

• Not agree a flexi-schooling request
• Cease a flexi-schooling arrangement

Schools must notify us of any flexi-schooling arrangement in place, or about to be implemented, using our contact form.