Updates for home educators

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

Both the IW College and HTP have agreed to act as an external exam centre for Year 10 and Year 11 home educated students again next May/June 2026. 

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

If you have not received this information please 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

Wessex Cancer Alliance are currently raising awareness about the HPV vaccination and information has been circulated to all families of Electively Home Educated pupils registered with the IW Council (as at 23 June 2025).

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common and usually symptom-free virus which affects all genders (boys and girls).

There are more than 100 types of HPV.

The virus is most common inside the mouth, throat, genital area and anus.

Some HPV types cause changes to DNA, increasing the risk of certain cancers.

The vaccine is very good at stopping the HPV virus from causing cancer (99% for cervical cancers).

Further information about HPV can be found at the following links:

• COMMUNICATE: Protecting my teenager - YouTube This film provides parents with information about HPV and the HPV vaccine
• COMMUNICATE: Safety and side effects - You Tube
• HPV Vaccine provided by Wessex Cancer Alliance - YouTube

Who can have the vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is free and offered to:

• all children from 12 to13 years old
• girls up to their 25th birthday
• boys who were born on/after 1 September 2006 up until their 25th birthday

Where can you get the vaccine?

If your child is between 12 to 16 years old, please contact the service below to arrange an appointment at a community clinic or to answer any questions you may have.

• telephone: 0300 123 5074 
• email: IOW.SAI@solent.nhs.uk  

Alternatively, if your child is aged 14 and over you can contact your GP practice and ask for the vaccine.

The aim of the service is to support parents and carers of children and young people living on the Isle of Wight who are experiencing distressing or challenging behaviours.

The Isle of Wight Wellbeing Service works with families to help develop children’s positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing from Year R to Year 7. 

To receive support from the Isle of Wight Wellbeing Service, you as a parent need to seek a referral from any member of staff working within health care. This could be your GP, Health Visitor, School Nurse, Paediatrician, OT, CAMHS or any other staff working within health care with whom you may already be involved.

The IOW Wellbeing Service run workshops. You do not need to be referred to the service to access these. A lot of the courses are based online

• What’s Behind the Behaviour
• Child to Parent Violence and Aggression
• Boundaries and Expectations
• Navigating Neurodivergence
• Supporting the anxious child

For more information or to reserve a place on a workshop email mitch.burson@iow.gov.uk