Updates for home educators

Who we are?

We provide support for neurodivergent young people and their families who are educating at home, helping you feel confident and connected.

What we offer:

• consultations: A safe, confidential space to explore your child’s strengths, challenges, and any concerns.
• advice and guidance: Practical strategies for learning, wellbeing, and everyday challenges.
• signposting: information about local services, resources, and opportunities for home-educated children.
• training and Resources: Access to webinars, workshops, and tools that help you support your child in a neuro-affirming way.
• explore resources: We’ll share practical guides and tools tailored for home education and transition out of or back to school.
  

Why access us?

1. To feel reassured and supported in your home education journey.
2. To gain insight into your child’s needs and how to help them thrive.
3. To connect with resources and approaches that reduce stress and build confidence.

How to access:

Book a consultation: IOW Neurodiversity Team - Bookings

Join our webinars: Check our calendar for upcoming sessions. Download our IOW Neurodiversity Service webinar schedule document (PDF, 292KB)

Explore resources: We’ll share practical guides and tools tailored for home education and transitions.

Mainland external exam centres 

Please be advised that any Year 11 student becoming Electively Home Educated after 28 November 2025 will not be able to sit GCSE exams on the Isle of Wight next summer through Local Authority arrangements.

If a parent decides to home educate after this date and would like their child to take GCSE exams next Summer, they will need to secure a place at an external exam centre on the mainland. These centres may have their own cut-off dates regarding student registration for exams. These arrangements and associated costs will be the responsibility of the parent.

All registered home educated students

All recently contacted electively home educated students registered with the Local Authority regarding the arrangements for GCSE and iGCSE exams in May/June 2026.

The IW College and HTP will act as the external exam centre for Year 10 and Year 11 home educated students in May/June 2026. 

If you would like your child to sit GCSE/iGCSE’s as an external candidate next year, complete the Expression of Interest and Information Request Forms that have been sent to you.

If you have not received this information, email electivehomeeducation@iow.gov.uk as soon as possible.

The examination entry deadline is Friday 28 November 2025.  Please be advised that applications submitted after this deadline will not be accepted. There will be no further opportunities for home educated students to register for examinations taking place on the Island in May/June 2026.

The School Aged Immunisation Team IOW, are now offering the annual flu vaccination for all children from Reception to Year 11.  You should receive information directly in the post from them to book into a clinic if you would like your child/ren to receive the vaccination.

If you do not wish your child to receive the vaccine, please submit the form and indicate that you do not consent. This will enable SAIS to update your child’s immunisation record and no further information will be sent to you until the next immunisation is due.

If you have any questions please contact the Immunisation Service directly - contact details listed below:

website: visit the Isle of Wight School age Immunisation service website

email: HIOWH.SAIS@nhs.net. 

call: 023 8231 8318