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How To Find Homeschool Groups Near You (Quick & Easy!)

Published by Hannah Canavan. Last updated on January 29, 2022 IF YOU USE ADBLOCKERS YOU MAY NOT SEE ALL THE CONTENT. PLEASE ADD US TO TRUSTED SITES :) POSTS MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS INCLUDING AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS

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How To Find ‘Homeschool Groups Near Me’

Whether you have recently started home educating, or you have been homeschooling your child for a long time, it is essential that you are able to find groups of other home educators (without endlessly Googling ‘homeschool groups near me’!) Home education groups are essential for supporting families.

If you feel that you would benefit from 1-1 support with me as your home education coach, do get in touch at adventuretravelfamilyuk@gmail.com and I will let you know how I can help you. Until then, read on to find out how this article will help you.

homeschool groups uk

This article will explain how to find UK homeschooling groups including academic, social, special interest groups for home educated children, and home education support groups for parents and carers.

Personally I have found it invaluable to have a strong support network of likeminded families and as a single mum to three children who has home educated for 10 years, I couldn’t be without them!

Over the past decade I have written many posts about essential areas of home educating that have helped families find their feet in their new homeschooling life. My most popular posts that may help you are:

  • Can You Home Educate On Benefits/ A Low Income?
  • The #1 Best Home Education Resource Company (in my opinion!)
  • The 6 Types of Homeschool Curriculum & My Favourite Resources
  • How Much Does It Cost To Homeschool (inc. exact monthly figures)
  • How To Start Homeschooling: A Beginner’s Guide
  • What Is Unschooling & Who Does It Work For?
  • How Does Interest Based Learning / Unschooling Work?
  • How Do Home Educated Children Take GCSEs/ A Levels?
  • How Do Home Educated Children Socialise?
  • How We Home Educate: A Typical Day In Our Life (3 kids, single working parent)
  • How To Home Educate Children Of Multiple Ages

Homeschooling groups in the UK vary from online Facebook groups to structured classes and from regular meet-ups to casual friendship groups.

My youngest daughter at her home education group

My biggest support in our homeschooling journey comes from other friends who are also home educating their own children and with whom we meet up regularly for play dates, and occasionally for (adults only!) drinks and dinner. 

These people are the ones who will actually understand from a first hand perspective what it is like to home educate. They understand the 24/7 commitment, the seemingly unending quest to keep the kids fed, the too-often scrutiny from strangers.

They can relate to the occasional overwhelm that you feel as you start to type “maybe school is the answer?” into a Whatsapp message. 

If you don’t live near other homeschoolers, the Facebook support groups for UK homeschoolers can be a lifesaver. At the tap of a few buttons you can get help, advice, support and empathy from thousands of other people going through a similar experience to you, and this is absolutely invaluable.

I consider some people I have met on these support groups to be genuine friends even though I have never met them; we share the same values and lifestyles and that bonds people whether they are in physically proximity or not. 

Aside from the “how on EARTH do you keep your houses tidy while homeschooling?” and the “anyone know any good YouTube channels for a space-lover?”, UK homeschooling support groups provide a safe and knowledgeable space.

A space where home educating parents can ask for help regarding more serious issues- whether that is regarding homeschooling law, relationship problems or mental health. 

Knowing that you can go and ask more experienced homeschoolers for help and support is, in my opinion, invaluable and the homeschooling support groups are an essential tool in any parent’s home education toolbox! Here are quick and easy ways to find different types of homeschool group in the UK:

How To Find UK Homeschooling Groups On Facebook

To find your local UK homeschooling support group, type in “homeschooling XYZ” or “home educating XYZ” into the Facebook search bar (where XYZ is your local area or county).

This will pull up groups with other home educators who live near to you, and reaching out to people in this group to ask about meet ups or seeing if anyone wants a play date, is a great way to start growing your homeschooling social circle and support network.

You will also be able to ask about local academic, arts, sports and social meet-ups within these Facebook groups- there will often be extra-curricular type clubs specifically for home educators.

National home educating groups are also invaluable, both for finding resources that other parents may be using and connecting with other homeschooling families. These are groups that I belong to or have been recommended to me by other home educating families:

Home Education UK. This is the largest UK home educators’ Facebook group with plenty of activity; questions about homeschooling styles, resources, law and more. 

Home Schooling UK. This is currently the second largest Facebook group for homeschoolers in the UK and within its files are excellent and long lists of local groups by district in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. There are also lists of groups for special interests such as crafting, cookery and photography, as well as links to groups for children with special education needs. 

Homeschooling UK is another group with over 5000 members where people post questions and recommendations for homeschool parents. 

In each of the above groups there may be files where you can find local home educating groups, or you can post in the groups themselves asking for local connections. This is also where you can ask for recommendations for tutors, clubs and classes for your home educated child.

uk homeschool group

Special Interest Groups and Clubs for Home Educators

If your child has a hobby or special interest, there are often home education clubs for children. Sometimes children can also join after-school clubs, for example sports programs or choirs.

As a first port of call, ask in your local Facebook home education group- the families in there will already know what is available and accessible for home educated children. If not, it’s time to take matters into your own hands.

Google a local club and ask if they run a home education club- if they don’t, set one up! Home educators usually have to put more effort in that parents of school children when it comes to finding social events and hobby clubs, as society is simply not set up for us- but that shouldn’t put us off trying.

I personally have found Outschool quite a nice way for my home educated children to do clubs and meet other children- this is all online but after the last few years people have got much more used to online socialising, so do consider this for your child.

London Homeschooling Groups

Obviously London, being the capital of the UK, has a vast number of homeschoolers and plenty of London homeschool support groups, both casual and academic. Groups for home educators in London include:

South East London Home Educators

West London Home Education Group 

London Home-Ed Pre-“Schoolers”

South Croydon Homeschoolers

Caterham Home Education group

How To Find UK Homeschooling Groups Close To You Without Facebook

If you’re not on Facebook I really recommend you join even for a short while to connect with other homeschooling families; it is simply the quickest and easiest way to find other home educators.

Once you have done that you can find nearby meet-ups and start getting to know people in real life, and support circles often naturally emerge from there- home educators tend to know other home educators, it’s a small(ish) world!

If you don’t want Facebook at all, check in your local area to see if there are libraries, museums or other attractions that host homeschool sessions (a local art shop in our area runs one, for example) and go along to them to meet other homeschoolers. 

Creating Your Own Homeschool Support Group

Just as important as meeting up with other home educators for day to day socialisation and activities, is carving out time when home educating parents can connect on an adult level and offer each other deeper emotional support.

Homeschooling obviously means that we are with our children most of the time, and having evenings when you can enjoy a meal and talk about careers, relationships, dreams and struggles is really very important for homeschooling parents just as it is for any parent. 

Our local group of homeschool parents regularly meets up for meals and getting into this habit is a really good and valuable idea. You could take turns meeting at each others’ homes every few weeks, or book a table for drinks or dinner.

However you do it, make the effort to connect with other home educating parents on a deeper level than just your child’s friend’s parent. There are very few people who fully understand what homeschooling is like so these relationships are priceless!

I hope this post has given you some ideas for finding UK homeschool support groups; the chances are that no matter what you are going through, someone else will be going through it too so sharing your highs and lows really is beneficial for everyone.

how to find homeschool groups near me

Comments

  1. shazia says

    April 27, 2020 at 12:01 pm

    Hi
    tHanks for the video i have a question where can you find free resourses of a 8 year old who hasnt learnt much in school .
    my daughter does not know how t read properly still what can i do?
    sh
    kook forward from hearing from
    you
    shazia

    Reply
    • Adventure Travel Family says

      April 27, 2020 at 1:52 pm

      Hi Shazia, I hope you are well. Many 8 year olds still can’t read fluently and this is OK- if your daughter would like to improve her literacy skills I can recommend the Reading Eggs and Teach Your Monster To Read apps. I also think reading to her each day would be helpful and encouraging any creativity will help too, so as much free play as possible!

      Reply
    • Rebecca Harwood says

      August 1, 2020 at 4:45 pm

      Hi im starting to homeschool my 7 and 9 year olds i do not have facebook is there anyother way to find home ed groups also in the east Anglia region or essex

      Reply
      • Stephanie says

        September 13, 2022 at 5:47 pm

        Id also love to know if you found ALTERNATIVEs to FB and social media, we dont use it at all and are looking for home edders in east sussex area,

  2. John Hendry says

    October 7, 2020 at 2:37 pm

    My daughter has not attended school.gor over a year due to anxiety ,stress and other characteristics associated with her autism diagnosis. We are seriously thinking of home Schooling her . Does anyone in this group have any details of home schooling groups in the south london area ( we live around Cystral palace )

    Reply
  3. Claire Parsons says

    December 2, 2021 at 9:11 am

    Hello there

    I am in East Sussex and am wondering where i start in the homeschool journey

    My child is year 7

    Any advice would be gratefully RECEIVED

    Reply
    • Shantall says

      May 6, 2022 at 8:57 am

      GOOD DAY I HOPE YOU WERE ABLE TO FIND THE INFORMATION YOU WERE LOOKING FOR. I CONTACTED THE SCHOOL AND COUNCIL TO INFORM THEM THAT MY child IS CHANGING TO ELECTIVE HOME SCHOOLING. I HAVE JOINED ONLINE PLATFORMS SUCH AS IXL AND EDLACE. however THERE ARE LOADS OF PLACES TO GO AND EXPLORE AS WELL AS GOING THROUGH THE VARIOUS STUDY BOOKS I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ACQUIRE.

      Reply
  4. Sally says

    January 10, 2022 at 11:09 am

    Hi,

    Im looking to meet other home school families in the West Berkshire area. My children are 9 and 7 and wouLd love to find some friends!

    Reply
    • Adventure Travel Family says

      January 13, 2022 at 11:08 am

      Hi Sally, welcome! There is a Facebook group called ‘Berkshire Home Ed climbing’ that may be of interest 🙂

      Reply
  5. Robert Payne says

    February 8, 2022 at 10:57 am

    I run a forest school in Maidstone Kent every fortnight for home educated children. all children aged 5-13 are welcome. Maximum number per session is just 16. Lots more info on our website, plus how to join in.

    Reply
  6. Sarah rogers says

    February 10, 2022 at 8:11 pm

    Hi my name his saraH. I livE In swindon I am looking for advice as going to start home schoolinG my year 9 daUghter in March. is there Any home schooling grOups in swindon.

    Reply
  7. Carly says

    February 19, 2022 at 9:19 am

    Hi my name is carly, and we are fairly new to home education. My eldest daughter is 15 and he since Jan 2021 and is going off to collage in September. My youngest daughter poppy is 12 and we have home educated since September 2021. We are looking for local groups in Canterbury kent area for Poppy to meet other he children if anyone knows of any? Thanks

    Reply
    • Roz says

      January 1, 2023 at 9:15 am

      HELLO. i HAVE THE SAME QUERY! Did you find any resources?

      Reply
  8. Laura clacher says

    March 5, 2022 at 11:09 am

    This is all really helpful, thank you.

    I live in West Sussex and am looking for other home ed friends in the area and any local groups, particularly art-based or active (eg adventuring in the woods etc) for my 10 year old. I don’t have Facebook and would rather do without it, which obviously makes its harder.

    Reply
  9. Candy McCarron-Steward says

    March 7, 2022 at 8:57 am

    hi i am De reGistering my children from main stream school from easter. They are 8 and 5 and i am looking at home wd activities in our aRea. We live in Norwich, England.
    Hope to hear from you soon.
    Thanks.
    Candy

    Reply
    • Miss Bettany says

      March 28, 2023 at 1:46 pm

      Hi. My daughter is 13 and we are about to start home schooling. Do you know of any local groups? We live in suffolk.
      How are you getting on with it?

      Reply
  10. Joanbe says

    March 7, 2022 at 6:38 pm

    Pen to paper Has Been challenging for Me and my 6YEAR old. Once I Bought a White Board she’s More Enthusiastic Her Writing, Spelling Ect. Has IMPROVEd. When she Made Mistakes On Paper she’d just Want to Give Up But with the White Board She Is Much happier And CONFIDENT Why I’m Not sure but Whatever WORKS is good for us.

    Reply
  11. Gail says

    March 30, 2022 at 8:46 am

    Hi i have started home schooling my 14 year old daughter but I’m finding it hard 2 know exactly what she needs 2 learn her gcse will be here soon and I really need this 2 work for her

    Reply
  12. Kirsty says

    August 28, 2022 at 10:53 am

    Hi I’m looking to homeschool my 5 year old. He has autism and the school are expecting him to go all day with no lunch (as the school is to far for him to walk there and back twice a day) or eat what they have (which he wont)
    He has separation anxiety too which is hard as he still screams and cries for me.
    Is there any groups in banbury area who homeschool and would like to make friends?

    Reply
  13. Alison pham says

    August 28, 2022 at 12:49 pm

    Ive been home ed’ing for 5 years now, my 5 and 9 year old are both doing well and enjoy lots of free time. However, gathering with home school families doesnt always pan out. Often cancellations and meet ups havent happened. So i stopped trying for a while now. But knowing of any activities or other families looking to meet up with, would be nice and encourage my girls to want to go out more. Any one in the north of nottinghamshire able to offer advice or meet up?

    They enjoy home as there seems so much more to do and freedom.
    Any ideas of groups would be appreciated, as facebook hasnt felt like an option with all the negativity on there.

    Reply
  14. Saida says

    October 23, 2022 at 1:38 pm

    Hi I’m going to be new to homeschooling,I’m going to be starting after the 1 week half-term,which is next week.im trying to gather as much information.my son is 9 and I’m taking him out of school because of bullying that hasn’t resolved but I have let the authorities know I’m looking for a place in another school.in the meantime I’m going to homeschooling him.
    Do I need a tutor for maths and English?
    What books do you need?
    Do I need a computer for learning?
    Where do you find a group for socialising?
    I’m completely clueless and need some guidance.thank you in advance.

    Reply
  15. joanna says

    May 14, 2023 at 7:39 pm

    hi does anyone know if there is any groups near bracknell maybe an art group my daughter is 13 year and i am finding it hard to find groups beacause of her anxiety

    Reply

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uk homeschooling coachWelcome! My name is Hannah and I’m a home education parent and coach. I’ve been home educating for 11 years and I provide information about home education, unschooling & gentle parenting. I also backpacked Asia for a year with my kids when they were 6, 5 and 2! Find out more about us here.

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