The Hedge School – Homeschooling in Ireland

1. Is homeschooling really allowed in Ireland?

Yes. Ireland has a proud tradition of parents as the first and best educators of their children — a truth enshrined in our Constitution (Article 42). Homeschooling is fully legal. Parents must register their intentions to home educate with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Tusla’s role is simply to ensure that children are receiving a “certain minimum education,” but the content and spirit of that education remain the responsibility of parents.

2. How do I begin homeschooling?

It is simpler than many imagine:

1. Select your chosen educational philosophy – Classical, Charlotte Mason, unschooling, Waldorf, school at home, eclectic…, to name a few!
2. Apply to Tusla – Each child must be registered for home education. (Form available here: https://www.tusla.ie/services/family-community-support/alternative-education-assessment-and-registration-service/home-education/)
3. Meet with an assessor – A Tusla assessor will visit to see that your child will be educated in a suitable way.

4. Receive approval – Once registered, your child’s education at home is fully recognised in law.

3. Must I follow the State curriculum?

No. The Constitution guarantees your freedom in choosing how and what to teach. Tusla looks only for adequacy, not conformity. This means you may build your curriculum around:

• The Catechism and Scriptures,

• The great treasures of Catholic and Irish history,

• Classical or nature-based education,

• Or a blend of resources that fits your family.

4. Why would families choose to homeschool instead of attending the local school?

Each family’s story is unique, but some common reasons include:

• A desire for a Catholic education, whole and undiluted, at the heart of daily life.

• Protecting children from early exposure to cultural pressures, bullying, or overcrowded classrooms.

• Allowing children to grow at their own pace, with family rhythms rather than bell schedules.

• Reclaiming the joy of learning as a shared family endeavour.

Just as the Hedge Schools of old preserved faith and knowledge in hard times, so today’s families may choose to nurture their children at home.

5. How does homeschooling support the Catholic faith?

At home, faith is not merely a “subject” – but it is in the very air we breathe. Morning prayers can open the school day; feast days can become celebrations woven into your calendar; catechism can be studied with the same seriousness as mathematics. Homeschooling allows parents to be what the Church has always called them to be: the first teachers of faith.

6. How can my child receive the Sacraments outside of school?

As a baptised Catholic, your child is entitled to receive the Sacraments to further his personal relationship with Our Lord. While schools often organise the preparation for the Sacraments, the true responsibility and privilege always rests with the parents. You may:

• Speak directly with your parish priest about preparing your child. 

• Use catechism programmes at home: such as the Irish Green Catechism, the Baltimore Catechism, and/or our Sacramental Prep courses (2nd Class and 6th Class Religion).

• Join with other homeschooling families to prepare children together. There are a number of co-ops across Ireland now to help educate our children together.

• Participate fully in parish celebrations of First Confession, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.

7. Will my child be isolated from friends?

On the contrary. Across Ireland, homeschooling families gather for feast-day celebrations, pilgrimages, field trips, and co-ops. Children form friendships across age groups, often marked by joy, confidence, and courtesy. The wider Catholic community also provides countless opportunities for connection and service.

8. What about exams, further study, or university?

Many homeschoolers in Ireland go on to higher education. Paths include:

• Sitting the Junior or Leaving Certificate independently.

• Pursuing QQI/FETAC qualifications.

• Applying to colleges here or abroad with portfolios or alternative exams, such as American qualifications.

Homeschooling does not close doors; it often opens even more.

9. Do I need to be a trained teacher to homeschool?

No. What is required is love, commitment and a willingness to walk with your child in learning. Parents often find they grow in wisdom themselves while guiding their children. Remember: the Saints and Scholars of old were taught at the hearth and under the hedgerow, long before schools as we know them existed.

10. How can The Hedge School support me?

We provide:

• A full Catholic and classical curriculum for Primary School.

• Full email support, whenever you need it. 

• A community of families walking the same path.

• A custom curated selection of Catholic books to support the faith formation of children and families.

Have more questions?
Contact us at info@thehedgeschool.ie. Together, let us preserve and pass on the treasures of faith, family and learning in Ireland — just as the Hedge Schools of old.