Guide to Online Schooling in Europe

Across Europe, education is changing. More families are choosing online schooling and homeschooling as flexible, personalised alternatives to traditional education. The pandemic may have sparked the shift, but the continued growth of digital learning shows that this change is here to stay.

In the United Kingdom, over 111,000 children were registered for elective home education in late 2024, and more than 153,000 were homeschooled at some point during the 2023–24 school year. In Belgium, the number of homeschooling families has increased by over 300% in the past five years, showing just how quickly parents across Europe are turning towards alternative learning options that better fit modern life.

At Crimson Global Academy (CGA), we make high-quality online education accessible to students everywhere. Our goal is to combine flexibility and academic excellence, giving families a world-class education from the comfort of home.

In this guide, we look at the legalities, challenges, and support systems of online schooling across Europe, helping families understand how online education can fit within their country’s education system.

Countries with Flexible Homeschooling Laws

Spain

In Spain, homeschooling remains a legal grey area. It is not formally recognised by national law, but it is not completely forbidden either. Education is compulsory from ages 6 to 16, and families must ensure their children receive a full education, even outside of traditional school settings.

Because there is no national framework, regional authorities interpret the law differently. Many Spanish families now enrol their children in accredited online schools, such as CGA, to ensure they meet compulsory education standards while maintaining flexibility.

Portugal

Portugal offers a clear and structured approach to homeschooling under Ensino Doméstico. Parents must register their children with a local school that oversees their progress, and students take annual exams to ensure they meet national standards.

Parents are required to hold a university degree, and if their degree is from abroad, it may need to be officially validated in Portugal. Although homeschooling remains a small but growing movement, it is widely supported within a clear legal framework that encourages accountability and educational quality.

France

Homeschooling in France is now highly regulated. Since the 2021 Law Reinforcing Respect for the Principles of the Republic, families must apply for authorisation each year through their regional education authority (DASEN). Approval is only granted in specific circumstances, such as for health reasons, disability, professional sports or arts training, or for families who travel frequently.

Parents must follow an approved plan of study, and inspections are carried out to ensure children are making satisfactory progress. As a result, many French families now opt for accredited online schools to ensure academic consistency within the law.

Belgium

Homeschooling in Belgium is characterised by its regional diversity, legally allowed but governed by the linguistic and cultural specifics of each region. Parents must notify the Department of Education and Training and meet minimum education requirements, reflecting Belgium's commitment to flexible yet regulated homeschooling options.

The number of homeschooling families in Belgium continues to rise each year, especially in urban areas, showing a growing acceptance of non-traditional education within the country’s system of oversight and accountability.

Countries with Strict Homeschooling Laws

Italy

Italy recognises homeschooling as a constitutional right, yet it demands strict adherence to the national education system's standards. Despite a lack of specific homeschooling accreditation bodies, the growth in homeschooling popularity post-COVID-19 indicates a shifting perspective towards alternative education.

Switzerland

Switzerland presents a canton-specific approach to homeschooling, with legal permission varying significantly across its 26 cantons. The decentralised educational system requires parents to navigate local regulations carefully, ensuring compliance with cantonal requirements for homeschooling.

Germany

Germany continues to have one of the most restrictive homeschooling policies in Europe. Compulsory school attendance laws mean that children must attend an approved school, and homeschooling is only permitted in very rare cases, usually for health-related reasons.

Although the law remains unchanged as of 2025, discussions around flexibility and digital education continue. For German families seeking an alternative, accredited online schooling such as CGA can provide a high-quality education while meeting the spirit of the country’s educational requirements.

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, homeschooling is not recognised as a general right. Children are required to attend school between the ages of 5 and 18. Exceptions exist for religious or philosophical reasons, but they are difficult to obtain.

Despite these restrictions, some Dutch families enrol in international online schools to ensure continuity of education, particularly when relocating abroad or managing unique family circumstances.

Why Online Schooling is Growing in Europe

Families across Europe are looking for greater flexibility, academic excellence, and access to global qualifications without sacrificing structure or quality. Online schooling meets those needs by providing interactive, teacher-led classes, personalised pacing, and qualifications recognised by universities around the world.

For students with specific learning needs, busy schedules, or international lifestyles, online schooling offers a balance of independence and accountability that traditional schooling often cannot.

Navigating European Homeschooling with CGA

The legal framework for homeschooling and online education in Europe can be complex, but families do not have to navigate it alone.

CGA provides a structured, internationally accredited education that aligns with national regulations and university admission standards. We are accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), ensuring our teaching, leadership, and safeguarding meet globally recognised standards.

For families in countries where homeschooling is restricted or unclear, CGA offers an academically rigorous and legally compliant alternative that provides both flexibility and peace of mind.

Discover how CGA can transform the online schooling experience for your family. Speak with one of our Academic Advisors today for personalised support.