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Home Education vs Homeschooling: Is There a Difference?
If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a difference between home education and homeschooling, you’re not alone. The two terms are often used interchangeably—and in some ways, they do overlap. But there are subtle differences in meaning, and understanding those can be helpful when you’re figuring out what suits your family best.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been on this journey for a while, it’s reassuring to know that there isn’t one “right” way to do it. What matters most is finding a rhythm that works for you and your child.
So, what is homeschooling?
Homeschooling tends to describe a more structured approach to learning at home. It usually involves following a curriculum (either one you’ve chosen yourself or one that’s recommended), planning lessons, and perhaps setting a timetable that looks a little like a typical school day.
Some families find this really helpful, especially if their children thrive on routine or if they’re preparing for formal exams later on. It can provide a clear sense of direction and a bit of predictability in the week.In short, homeschooling is learning at home in a way that’s inspired by school—but with the freedom to adapt things as needed.
And what about home education?
Home education is a broader term. It covers all types of learning outside of school—homeschooling included—but it’s often used to describe a more flexible, child-led approach.
For many families, home education doesn’t follow a set timetable or curriculum. Instead, it’s shaped by the child’s interests, energy levels, and natural curiosity. That might mean learning through real-life experiences, projects, outings, reading, conversations, creative activities—or a mix of all of the above.
There’s no single way to “do” home education. Some families take a very relaxed approach. Others combine child-led learning with the occasional structured lesson or group class. It’s incredibly adaptable—and that’s what many people love about it.
Which one is better?
Honestly? Neither. It’s not about better or worse—it’s about what fits your child and your family.
Some children thrive with structure and routine, while others flourish when they have more freedom to explore at their own pace. And plenty of families mix and match, taking elements from both approaches depending on what stage they’re at. What’s really lovely about both home education and homeschooling is that they allow you to focus on what works right now. You’re not locked into a system. You can change things as your child grows, or as your circumstances shift.
The important thing is giving your child a learning environment where they feel safe, understood, and able to be themselves. For neurodivergent learners, that can mean reducing unnecessary stress, working in a sensory-friendly space, or simply allowing them to take regular breaks when they need to. It’s about finding what works for your child.
Where do we fit in?
At Tutor Led Learning, we work with all sorts of families—some who take a more traditional homeschooling route, and others who are following a more fluid home education path. We’re not here to tell you how to educate your child—we’re just here to support you with whatever you choose.
That might mean helping with structured tutorials in subjects like English, Maths, or Science, or offering sessions that build confidence, spark curiosity, and support independent learning.
However you approach learning at home, you’re not on your own—and you don’t have to have it all figured out from day one. It’s okay to experiment, to adapt, and to grow into it.
Final thoughts
Whether you call it home education or homeschooling, what you’re really doing is creating a space for your child to learn, grow, and feel safe being themselves. That’s something to be proud of.
At Tutor Led Learning, we believe it’s possible to be different together. That means recognising that no two learners are the same—but we all deserve to feel part of something, to feel encouraged, and to have people around us who get it.
If you’d like to chat with us about how we can support your child, get in touch!
This blog article has been written by TLL with the assistance of Chat GPT