Home education in Ireland (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Parents may educate a child at home in Ireland if the child is registered with the Child and Family Agency after an assessment of the education provided. Otherwise the parent must cause the child to attend a recognised school on each school day. Compulsory age runs from 6 to 16, or three years of post-primary education if later.

RuleWhat applies
Legal status of home educationChildren of compulsory school agePermitted with prior authorisation [1]
Nature of the parental dutyChildren of compulsory school ageDuty to attend or be enrolled at school [1]
Approval or notification neededChildren of compulsory school ageThe parent applies in writing to the Child and Family Agency, stating the place where the child receives education. An authorised person assesses the education, materials and time spent, and may with the parent's consent visit and assess the child. The Agency then registers the child, registers the child subject to a written undertaking, or refuses. A refusal, an undertaking requirement or a removal from the register can be appealed to the Minister within 21 days. Refusing to consent to an assessment leads to refusal or removal. [1]
Compulsory schooling ageChildren of compulsory school ageA child is a person resident in the State who is at least 6 years old and who has not reached 16, or has not completed three years of post-primary education, whichever is later, but not a person who has reached 18. [1]

Notes

  • Parents who choose to educate a child outside a recognised school apply to the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) to have the child entered in the register of children educated in a place other than a recognised school. The Agency assesses the education provided; it registers the child, registers subject to an undertaking, or refuses, and the parent may appeal to the Minister within 21 days (section 15). Section 17 does not require school attendance while an application or appeal is pending. Not read: Ministerial guidelines (section 16) and other legislation on the minimum education.

Sources

  1. Law Reform Commission (Revised Acts), Office of the Attorney General: Education (Welfare) Act 2000 (revised, updated to 19 February 2025) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

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