At Stillington Primary School we are proud to offer flexi-schooling as an alternative to full-time education.

Flexi‑schooling (also called flexi‑school) is a legal educational arrangement in the UK where a child is registered full‑time at a school but attends only part-time, with the remaining learning happening at home (or elsewhere) under parental supervision.

Flexi‑schooling offers a flexible, hybrid educational model suitable for families looking to combine formal schooling with tailored home education. While it brings clear benefits—like personalisation and access to specialist resources—it demands strong collaboration with the school, parental dedication, and attention to safeguarding. It remains at the discretion of headteachers and is not a legal entitlement, so preparation, openness, and mutual trust are vital.

Key Features

• Full‑time education: Despite split attendance, children must still receive a full-time education overall .
• Headteacher approval: Flexi‑schemes require permission from the headteacher and can be ended at any point by the school should there be concerns—they’re not a parental right
• Customizable schedule: Attendance might be structured by days, subjects, or even split days—there’s no fixed model, it varies depending on agreement
• Recorded as authorised absence: Non-school days are marked with a “C” code in the register—schools remain accountable for performance and welfare.
• Ongoing review: A formal agreement—typically written—should define expectations, with regular communication between parents and the school

How to Arrange Flexi‑Schooling

1. Contact Stillington Primary School  to express an interest in flexi‑schooling for your child.
2. Propose a clear plan outlining how learning, welfare, and assessment will be managed
3. Formalise an agreement—a written agreement—covering schedules, monitoring, review, safeguarding, assessments, etc.
4. Maintain regular contact with the school, provide progress updates, and stay responsive to adjustments.

Considerations & Risks

• No legal entitlement: The school may refuse, and there’s no appeal against a headteacher's decision
• Safeguarding concerns: Ofsted has flagged that part-time schooling can risk fragmented monitoring of vulnerable children
• School performance impact: SATs/GCSEs taken at school still count toward the school’s results; poor outcomes may dissuade schools from offering flexi‑schooling
• Parental commitment required: Parents must ensure home sessions meet curriculum and welfare needs—and keep detailed records to be shared with school at half termly meetings.