Home Education in the UK: What It Is and Why an ID Card Can Help

Home education, sometimes called home schooling, is a legal and growing choice in the UK. Thousands of families choose to educate their children outside of the school system, either from the start or later on when they feel school is not the right fit. Some make the switch due to special educational needs, school-related anxiety, or a desire for a more flexible and personalised learning experience.

Unlike school, home education does not follow a set curriculum. Some families prefer a structured approach with textbooks and online courses, while others take a more relaxed, child-led route. The key benefit of home education is the ability to tailor learning to suit a child’s individual needs, helping them thrive in a way that works best for them.

If you are home educating, having a home education ID card can be really useful. These cards clearly show that a child is home educated, helping to avoid confusion when out during school hours. We also offer home education teacher ID cards, designed for parents who home educate, making it easier to explain their role when needed.

Why a Home Education ID Card Can Be Useful

Even though home-educated children do not attend school, they still take part in many learning activities, including museum visits, library trips, study sessions, and group learning. There are times when people may ask why a child is not in school, especially during term time, and having an ID card can make these situations much easier.

Parents often find a home education ID card useful when:

• Visiting museums, galleries, and educational attractions where school-aged children may be expected to be part of a group
• Borrowing books and study materials from libraries where student identification may be requested
• Attending study groups, workshops, or classes where proof of education status is sometimes needed
• Sitting GCSEs or other exams as a private candidate, as some exam centres ask for identification
• Being out and about during school hours, where an ID card can help avoid unnecessary questions

For parents who home educate, our home education teacher ID cards can be equally helpful. These identify them as their child’s educator, which can be useful when accessing educational spaces, arranging visits, or working with tutors and learning providers.

Our Home Education ID Cards

We offer home education student ID cards and home education teacher ID cards, both designed to be simple and practical. Each card is printed on biodegradable plastic and is the same size as a standard credit card, making it easy to carry in a wallet or on a lanyard.

• Each student card includes a photo, the student’s name, and text confirming that they are home educated
• Each teacher card includes a photo, the educator’s name, and text confirming their role as a home education teacher

Our cards provide an easy way to confirm home education status whenever needed, helping to make everyday activities smoother and more convenient.

A Home Education ID Card from The Card Project UK Makes Life Easier: Order Yours Today

Home education allows children to learn in a way that suits them best, but it also means answering questions and explaining things to others from time to time. Carrying an ID card helps to simplify these situations, giving home educators and students something official to show when needed.

If you are home educating, take a look at our home education ID cards. Whether for students or parents, they are a practical and useful addition to any home educator’s toolkit.

Thinking About Home Education? Then You Need To Read Our Essential Guide

Home education is a growing choice for families across the UK, but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. If you are considering home educating your child, our What You Need to Know About Home Education guide is the perfect place to begin.

This article covers everything you need to know, from the legal steps to getting started to finding the right resources, arranging qualifications, and ensuring your child has plenty of social opportunities. Whether you are worried about balancing home education with work, managing costs, or planning for university, we provide clear, friendly advice to help you make informed decisions.

We also explore different teaching approaches, including structured learning, child-led education, and how to create a routine that works for your family. Plus, we highlight the support networks available to home educators, so you never have to feel like you are doing it alone.

If home education is the right path for your family, having a Home Education ID Card can be a useful tool when visiting educational spaces, museums, and libraries. To learn more about home education and how to get started, read our full guide here.