Homeschooling is becoming more common across the UK. Many parents are choosing to educate their children at home for personal, academic, or lifestyle reasons. However, homeschooling can also bring financial pressure. Families often wonder if there are homeschooling grants UK parents can apply for to help with the cost of materials, resources, or exams.
This article explores the top government and local homeschooling grants UK families can access in 2025. It explains what financial help is available, how to apply, and what options may support your child’s education at home.
Understanding Homeschooling Grants UK
Before exploring the details, it’s important to understand what homeschooling grants UK actually mean. In most cases, there is no direct government grant that pays families to homeschool. However, some local authorities, charities, and education funds offer support depending on your situation.
These funds may not always be called “grants,” but they can help with specific needs such as:
- Learning materials and online courses
- Exam fees for GCSE or A-level students
- Special education support
- Internet access or digital equipment
So while there isn’t one central homeschooling grant UK scheme, there are multiple smaller opportunities that can make a real difference.
1. Local Authority Support
Local councils across the UK handle homeschooling differently. Some areas provide financial help if a child has special educational needs (SEN) or was recently removed from a school due to health or social reasons.
In certain cases, local authorities may help cover:
- The cost of educational assessments
- SEN learning equipment
- Access to learning resources or community classes
If you’re homeschooling, the best step is to contact your local council’s education department and ask what homeschooling grants UK offers. Each council has its own policy, so eligibility may vary.
2. Education Otherwise and Home Education Charities
Charities such as Education Otherwise and the Home Education Advisory Service (HEAS) support homeschooling families in the UK. While they don’t directly give out money, they often share information on available homeschooling grants UK families can apply for.
Some also connect parents with local fundraising programs, small bursaries, or donation schemes that help cover the costs of learning resources or exam entries. These networks can be very useful for new homeschooling families looking for financial advice and peer support.
3. Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support
If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you may qualify for funding through your local authority. In such cases, even if your child is home-educated, certain services can be funded or part-funded by the council.
This support may include:
- Learning assistants or specialist teachers
- Therapy sessions
- Adaptive learning tools and technology
This is one of the key homeschooling grants UK options for parents educating children with special needs. To apply, contact your local council’s Special Educational Needs department for guidance.
4. Exam Fee Assistance
When homeschooling, parents are responsible for paying for exam fees, such as GCSEs or A-Levels. This can be expensive, especially with multiple subjects. However, there are ways to reduce these costs.
Some councils or local charities provide homeschooling grants UK to help cover exam centre fees. In other cases, exam boards may offer discounts for private candidates who demonstrate financial hardship.
You can also check with local further education colleges, some allow home-educated students to sit exams for reduced prices.
5. Technology and Equipment Grants
In today’s world, online learning is a big part of homeschooling. Luckily, there are some homeschooling grants UK that focus on digital inclusion.
Certain councils and non-profit organisations offer technology grants for low-income families. These grants may help you get:
- A laptop or tablet
- Reliable internet access
- Educational software or online subscriptions
The UK government also continues to promote digital learning access, so checking the latest schemes on gov.uk or your local council website can reveal new opportunities.
6. Charitable and Community Grants
Beyond formal government schemes, some community foundations and charities offer small education-related grants. Examples include:
- The Family Fund – supports families with disabled or seriously ill children, often covering educational resources.
- Buttle UK offers grants for children in crisis or financial hardship, which can sometimes include learning support.
- The Prince’s Trust – supports young people aged 16–30 who want to continue their education or develop new skills.
These aren’t strictly “homeschooling grants UK,” but they can ease financial strain for families educating their children at home.
7. Local Homeschooling Groups and Networks
Many UK homeschooling groups organise informal grant-sharing programs, co-op classes, or discounted learning resources. Joining a local group can help you discover regional homeschooling grants UK opportunities that aren’t widely advertised.
These communities also share free resources, second-hand books, and support that reduce homeschooling costs significantly.
8. Tax Credits and Universal Credit Support
Although no direct homeschooling grants UK, some government benefits can help cover household education expenses. If you receive Universal Credit or Tax Credits, the child elements continue even when your child is homeschooled.
This helps with daily living costs, which indirectly support your ability to fund home education. Always update your benefits provider when your child’s education setting changes to ensure correct payments.
9. Crowdfunding and Personal Grants
Some homeschooling families use online fundraising platforms like GoFundMe to raise money for educational needs. Others apply to small community or trust-based grant schemes that support learning projects.
While not official homeschooling grants UK, these personal funding options can help with books, science kits, or art supplies.
10. Free and Low-Cost Educational Resources
Finally, while not technically grants, many free resources can reduce your need for funding altogether. Websites such as BBC Bitesize, Oak National Academy, and Khan Academy offer high-quality lessons at no cost.
Using these resources wisely can make homeschooling much more affordable, especially when combined with small homeschooling grants UK support from local programs.
Final Thoughts
Homeschooling in the UK is growing each year, and while there isn’t a single national grant for all home educators, there are many forms of support available. From local councils and charities to digital inclusion programs, parents can find financial help if they know where to look.
By exploring these homeschooling grants UK options, staying connected with local groups, and making use of free online resources, families can build a strong, affordable home education environment in 2025 and beyond.
Remember, the key is to research your local area, ask questions, and apply for every opportunity that fits your situation. Even small grants can make a big difference in your homeschooling journey.
