Getting Started #4: Will they make friends?
The social side of home education
This is the fourth 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 concerns people have about home education is socialisation. "But how will they make friends?" is a question we all hear from a friend, relative or colleague at some point. The assumption is that without the daily structure of school, our teenagers will miss out on crucial social experiences.
The reality? Home educated teens often have more opportunities to develop meaningful friendships with people of different ages - without the social pressures, rigid schedules and distractions of a traditional school environment. Instead of being forced to only socialise with peers in their year group, they interact with people of different ages, backgrounds and interests, fostering friendships that often feel more natural and fulfilling.
Where do homeschooled teens socialise?
Home education groups and co-operatives
Many areas have active homeschooling communities that organise group activities, meet-ups and even structured learning sessions. These can be fantastic for making friends who understand the homeschooling lifestyle. The first place to look for these is on Facebook - search ‘homeschool’ and your nearest large town.
Sports, clubs and hobbies
From football teams to drama groups, music lessons to Scouts, there’s no shortage of social opportunities. In fact, homeschooled teens often have more flexibility to explore extracurricular activities, meaning they can build friendships based on shared passions rather than simply shared classrooms.
Volunteering or part-time work
Many homeschooling families encourage teens to take on volunteering roles or part-time jobs, both of which are great for meeting people outside their immediate circles. Whether it’s helping at a local charity shop, assisting in a community project, or working a few shifts at a café, these experiences can lead to strong social connections while also building life skills.
Online communities
Like it or not, the digital world plays a huge role in modern friendships. Homeschooled teens often connect through forums, Discord groups and online courses, giving them a way to meet like-minded peers, even if they don’t live nearby. Managed well, these spaces can be a lifeline for teens looking to find their tribe.
How to help a teen who’s worried about their social life
Not every teen will naturally dive into social activities, mine certainly doesn’t, and that’s okay. Sometimes they might need a little encouragement. Here are a few ways you can help:
Make social activities part of their weekly routine. Signing up for regular groups, lessons or events ensures they have consistent interactions with others.
Encourage them to try new things. A single bad experience at a club doesn’t mean all social activities will be the same. Help them explore different environments to find what suits them best.
Remind them that friendships don’t have to come from school. Some of the deepest, longest-lasting friendships are formed through shared interests, not just shared timetables.
What you need to know:
Homeschooled teens have plenty of ways to socialise.
Local groups, hobbies, volunteering and online communities will all help.
Socialisation looks different outside of school, but it’s just as meaningful.
Don’t panic if they’re just tending to spend time online - great friendships nowadays can be formed here too.
Will homeschooled teens make friends? Absolutely. And in many cases, they’ll build relationships that are richer, more diverse and better aligned with their individual personalities and interests than they might have in a traditional school setting.