The Education (Guernsey) Law 1970 states that parents have a legal duty to cause their children of compulsory school age (i.e. 5 to 16 years) to receive "efficient, full-time education suitable to the child's age, ability and aptitude and to any special educational needs he may have either by regular attendance at school or otherwise".
In accordance with Section 17 of this Law, you are able to exercise your right to home-educate your children if you choose.
If your child is already registered with a school and you decide to home-educate, you are required to formally notify the school and the States of Guernsey, in writing, of your intention to withdraw your child from the school roll and to home-educate. You will then be invited to attend a meeting with an Education Officer and School Attendance Officer. This meeting provides you with an opportunity to describe the educational provision you intend to offer your child/children. It also enables the Education Officer to determine whether the curriculum being offered by you satisfies the legal requirements (efficient, full-time, suitable to the child's age, ability and aptitude). The Education Officer will then make regular checks, once or twice a year, to ensure that the education being provided continues to meet the requirements.
Your child must stay on roll at school and attend full time until the Education Officer and School Attendance Officer have met with you.
We can offer advice and information to any parent wishing to home-educate. Any home-educated child is entitled to return to school at any time.
Education Otherwise is a national organisation that supports those who choose to educate outside of the school system. Living Education Guernsey is a local home education group, you can contact them by emailing contactlegguernsey@gmail.com.
