Home Education in Cambridge
Home education is a growing choice for families in Cambridge and beyond. Families come to home education for many different reasons: some are looking for greater flexibility, some want to support a child with additional needs, some are seeking a different approach to learning, and others simply find that school is not the right fit for their child.
At Waymakers, we believe there is no single “right” way to learn, only that young people’s interest is paramount. Home education can take many forms, from structured lessons at home to project-based learning, community groups, self-directed exploration, online courses, tutoring, volunteering, outdoor learning and everyday life experiences.
What is Home Education?
Home education means that parents or carers take responsibility for a child’s education rather than sending them to school full time.
In the UK, education is compulsory, but school attendance is not. Families can choose to educate their children in ways that are suitable for their age, ability, aptitude and any additional needs.
Home-educated children learn in a wide variety of ways. Some follow a timetable similar to school, while others take a more flexible approach. Many families combine different methods and adapt their approach as their children grow and their interests develop.
Home Education in Cambridge
Cambridge has a diverse and active home education community. Families can access a wide range of opportunities including:
Community learning groups
Forest schools and outdoor education
Sports and physical activities
Arts, music and drama groups
Tutoring and academic support
Social meet-ups and community events
Museums, libraries and cultural opportunities
Many families find that one of the greatest strengths of home education is the ability to connect learning with real-world experiences, interests and relationships.
How Waymakers Supports Home-Educating Families
Waymakers is a Cambridge-based supplementary learning community for home-educated children, young people and their families. It is not an alternative to school in its own right but exists to support young people’s wider home education journey.
Our sessions are designed around curiosity, agency, connection and meaningful participation. We aim to create spaces where young people can explore their interests, develop skills, build relationships and contribute to a supportive community.
Families engage in different ways depending on their needs. Some attend regular core consent/interest/project-based core group sessions, while others choose Deep Dive sessions based on particular interests that fit around family life, travel, projects or other commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do home-educated children take GCSEs?
Some do and some don’t.
Many home-educated young people choose to take GCSEs, IGCSEs or other qualifications. Others focus on portfolios, vocational learning, apprenticeships, college courses or alternative pathways.
Is home education legal in the UK?
Yes. Home education is a lawful choice for families in England provided parents ensure their child receives a suitable education.
Do home-educated children socialise?
Most home-educated children spend time with people of different ages in a variety of settings. Cambridge has an active community of home-educating families, along with clubs, activities and learning opportunities.
Do I need teaching qualifications to home educate?
No. Parents are not required to hold teaching qualifications in order to home educate their children.
Looking for Home Education Support in Cambridge?
Whether you are new to home education, exploring alternatives to school, or looking for learning opportunities for your child, we hope you’ll find useful information and connections through Waymakers.
Every family’s path is different. Home education offers the freedom to create an approach that reflects your child’s needs, interests and aspirations.
If you’d like to learn more about our sessions, community and approach, we’d love to hear from you.