Getting Started #2: Your approach to home education
Choosing an approach to home education (that actually works for your teen)
This is the second in a series of ‘Getting Started’ guides for parents of teens in the UK starting out in home education. Whilst the information below is accurate now (March 2025) things change and so its important you do your own research when embarking on your own home education journey.
One of the biggest advantages of home education is the freedom to design a learning approach that truly fits your teenager’s needs. But with so many different styles and approaches - from structured timetables, to self-directed learning and project-based work - it can feel overwhelming to figure out what will actually work for your teen.
The good news? There’s no single “right” way to do it. The best approach is the one that keeps your teenager engaged, motivated and progressing towards their goals. Here’s how we found a balance for our family.
Structured vs. flexible learning: What’s best?
Some teens thrive with a structured schedule, while others flourish when given more freedom to explore their interests. The key is to understand your teen’s personality, learning preferences and longer-term goals.
A structured approach (such as following a set timetable with scheduled lessons) can be helpful for teens preparing for exams or those who work best with clear expectations and routine. If your teen thrives on predictability, enjoys ticking off tasks and is working towards specific qualifications like GCSEs, a more structured approach might help them stay on track.
A flexible approach (such as interest-led learning or project-based work) allows for more creativity and adaptability. This can be especially beneficial for teens who struggle with traditional school structures, have a strong interest in a particular subject, or learn best by doing rather than sitting through formal lessons.
For many of us, especially when we’re starting out, something in between, or a mix of both, works well - keeping some structure while allowing flexibility for interest-led exploration.
Finding your teen’s learning style
Everyone learns differently. Some of us absorb information best through textbooks, while others need visual or hands-on experiences. Experimenting with different learning methods can help you discover what keeps your teen engaged.
Visual learners benefit from videos, infographics and illustrated textbooks.
Auditory learners might prefer podcasts, audiobooks or discussing topics aloud.
Kinesthetic learners engage best with hands-on activities, experiments and learning by doing.
Reading/writing learners enjoy working through written materials, making notes and summarising concepts.
Encouraging your teen to explore different approaches can help them develop independent learning skills - a crucial ability for future careers and further education too.
Avoiding burnout: Quality over quantity
One common mistake many of us make when we’re starting out in home education is trying to replicate the school day at home. The reality is, learning happens much faster in a one-to-one or small-group setting. Your teen doesn’t need six hours of structured lessons to make the same progress they would have in a school setting.
Prioritise meaningful learning over long hours. If your teen is focused and engaged, a few well-spent hours can be more effective than an entire day of forced study.
They need plenty of time for breaks, social activities and hobbies. Mental well-being is more important than academic achievement.
Encourage independent learning - your teen doesn’t need you to be their teacher. Providing them with the right tools and guidance can help them take ownership of their education.
What you need to know:
There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to home education - what works for one teen may not work for another.
A mix of structure and flexibility can help maintain motivation while ensuring key subjects are covered.
Experimenting with different resources and learning styles can make all the difference in engagement and progress.
Learning doesn’t have to be an all-day event - quality matters more than quantity.