If you are thinking of home-schooling your child, you may wonder how to choose the best programme for them.
Many options are available, but not all are accredited by an external body.
What does accreditation mean, and why is it important?
In this blog, we will explain what accreditation is, how it benefits your child’s education, and how to find an accredited home-school programme in the UK that suits your needs and preferences.
Read on to find out more!
What is an accredited home-school programme?
An accredited home-school programme is a course where you can educate your child at home. Once completed, your child should receive a certificate, like IGCSEs, A-Levels, or International Baccalaureate.
These programmes are reviewed and approved by an external body, such as Cambridge Assessment International Education or Pearson Edexcel. They set the curriculum, assessment, and quality assurance standards and criteria for the programmes’ curriculum.
Understand the Home-schooling Laws in the UK
The law says that parents or guardians can teach their children at home if they provide proper education that fits their age, skills, aptitude, and special needs.
In England and Wales, parents or guardians only have to register or seek permission from the local authority to home-school their children if they take them out of school.
But they may get a call from the authorities to see how their child is doing and feeling.
Parents or guardians must choose what and how to teach their children. They also must arrange for any exams or certificates they want their child to take.
Importance of accredited home-school programmes
Choosing an accredited home-school programme can provide several benefits, like:
- Showing the local authority that you are meeting your legal obligations.
- Ensuring your child is getting a high-quality education, meeting the needed regulations.
- Offering various courses and topics suited to students’ likes, skills, and goals.
- Getting students ready for exams and qualifications well-known and valued by universities and jobs worldwide.
- Ensuring students get regular comments and help from tutors who are experts in their subjects.
Accredited vs non-accredited home-school programmes in the UK
It’s important to note that not all home-school programmes are accredited by an external body. These unaccredited online schools or colleges do not give learners any officially recognised certificate.
These courses may be suitable for students who want to learn more about a specific subject or topic, explore their interests, or supplement their education.
Disadvantages of non accredited home-school programmes include:
- Lack of accountability.
- Limited access to resources and support.
- Difficulty in demonstrating compliance with legal requirements.
- Limited opportunities for students, such as university admission.
- Lack of flexibility and customisation and limited subject choices.
Factors to consider when choosing an accredited UK home-school programme
Choosing an accredited home-school programme can be daunting, as many options are available in the UK. Here are some factors to consider when making this important decision:
- Research different schools and compare their curriculum, resources, and support offerings.
- Find out if the school’s curriculum is aligned with the British Education System or equivalent.
- Determine the qualification your child will have when graduating from school and where these qualifications will be recognised.
- Find out the entry requirements, assessment methods, and grading criteria.
- Ensure the resources and materials are up-to-date, high-quality, and interactive.
- Consider the reputation and track record of the school and read reviews from other parents who have used it.
- Find out more about the school’s community, including the ideal students and staff and how they interact.
- Determine whether it’s within your budget and if it offers any financial assistance or scholarships.
To answer all your questions, the best thing to do is to schedule a consultation with the school.
Why choose Cambridge Home School Online
One of the best-accredited home-school options in the UK is Cambridge Home School Online.
This selective online independent school based in Cambridge offers an unrivalled British education. Some of the benefits include:
- It follows a rigorous and internationally recognised curriculum that teaches all the important subjects and skills for each level of education from Primary to A-Level.
- It also offers an independent curriculum, where students can choose their subjects according to their goals and preferences.
- It prepares students for exams and qualifications well-known and valued by universities and jobs worldwide.
- The tutors hold MA/PhD qualifications and are subject specialists. They also have experience teaching at top UK schools or universities.
- It lets students interact with other students from different countries and cultures through online platforms and forums.
Choosing an accredited home-school programme in the UK is a big decision that can give you peace of mind and help your child to get a high-quality education.
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FAQ: Understanding Accredited Home-School Programmes in the UK
What is an Accredited Home-School Programme?
An accredited home-school programme is a course that allows you to educate your child at home, culminating in a recognised certificate like IGCSEs, A-Levels, or the International Baccalaureate. These programmes are reviewed and approved by external bodies such as Cambridge Assessment International Education or Pearson Edexcel.
What Does UK Law Say About Home-schooling?
In the UK, parents or guardians have the right to educate their children at home. They are responsible for the curriculum and must also arrange any examinations their children will take. Local authorities may check to see how the child’s education is progressing.
Why Choose an Accredited Home-School Programme?
Accredited programmes offer various benefits, such as legal compliance, high educational standards, tailored courses, and expert tutor support.
What Are the Downsides of Non-Accredited Programmes?
Non-accredited programmes often lack accountability, may not offer full compliance with legal requirements, and may limit your child’s opportunities for further study or employment.
What Factors Should Be Considered When Choosing an Accredited Programme?
Important considerations include the curriculum, resource quality, school reputation, and financial commitments. It’s advisable to consult with the school for detailed information.
Why Consider Cambridge Home School Online?
This accredited online school offers a rigorous, internationally recognised curriculum and highly qualified tutors, among other benefits.