If your child cannot currently attend school — because of illness, emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), unmet SEND, or another barrier — you may hear professionals mention Section 19. This article explains what that duty is in plain English, how it differs from elective home education or EOTAS on an EHC plan, and when some families explore an accredited online British school as part of a wider plan. General information only; not legal advice.
What Section 19 actually says
Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 (link) requires local authorities in England to make arrangements for suitable education, at school or otherwise than at school, for children of compulsory school age who, by reason of illness, exclusion from school or otherwise, may not receive suitable education unless such arrangements are made.
That duty underpins much of what schools and councils call alternative provision. Related GOV.UK materials include guidance on education for children with health needs who cannot attend school and Working together to improve school attendance. Suitable education should match age, ability, aptitude and any special educational needs.
Section 19 is about the local authority’s responsibility when suitable education would otherwise not be received. It is not a voucher for any private online school, and it is not the same as choosing to educate at home.
Illness, EBSA / school refusal, and unmet SEND
Parents often ask about online options when health needs make full-time in-person attendance unrealistic; when school refusal or EBSA has become severe; or when SEND support is not meeting needs and attendance has collapsed.
None of those situations automatically means an online school is right — or that the local authority will fund one. Many children need medical evidence, school-based adjustments, early help, and sometimes an Education, Health and Care needs assessment. See our guides on school refusal in the UK and online school for SEN.
Where an accredited online British school can help some households is continuity: live teaching, a clear timetable, and a path toward GCSEs or A Levels without being in the same building every day. More on GCSEs and A Levels with an online school.
Section 19, EOTAS, and elective home education
Keep the labels distinct:
- Section 19 alternative provision — local authority arrangements under the Education Act 1996 when a child cannot otherwise receive suitable education.
- EOTAS / education otherwise than in school — under section 61 of the Children and Families Act 2014, a local authority in England may arrange special educational provision otherwise than in a school only if satisfied it would be inappropriate for that provision to be made in a school, and after consulting the parent or young person.
- Elective home education (EHE) — when parents choose to educate at home. See GOV.UK: Educating your child at home. Before deregistering, read our deregistration guide and Is online schooling legal in the UK?.
For EHE versus EOTAS language, see EHE vs EOTAS. If you are mid-assessment, waiting for an EHCP covers keeping learning going in the meantime.
When families explore an accredited online school
Sometimes a local authority or school discusses online teaching as part of a time-limited or hybrid package. Sometimes parents self-fund while remaining on roll, after deregistration into EHE, or while negotiating EHC provision. Funding, safeguarding, registration status and exam centres all depend on the facts.
Ask early: Is the child still on roll, and who codes attendance? Has medical evidence been shared? Would any online provider be LA-commissioned, school-commissioned or parent-funded? Can exams be sat through a recognised centre? What does cost look like? Our online school fees and costs UK page sets out typical ranges without hard sell.
Online Schools is an independent matching service, not affiliated with one school. If you want names that fit age, needs and budget, use the free match via how it works — no pressure.
Soft next step
If Section 19 has appeared in meetings, start with the primary sources above, keep a dated paper trail, and ask the local authority in writing what suitable education they consider they must arrange. If an accredited online British school might be one strand of a plan, a free independent match can help you compare real providers.
FAQ
Is Section 19 the same as being allowed an online school?
No. It is a local authority duty to arrange suitable education when a child cannot otherwise receive it. Whether that includes a particular online provider — and who pays — depends on individual circumstances.
Does Section 19 apply to school refusal or EBSA?
Severe non-attendance can fall under the illness or otherwise wording where suitable education is not otherwise being received, but it is not automatic. Seek advice from your school, local authority and, if needed, an independent adviser.
How is Section 19 different from EOTAS on an EHC plan?
Section 19 sits in the Education Act 1996 alternative-provision duty. Provision under section 61 of the Children and Families Act 2014 concerns special educational provision made otherwise than in a school where the authority is satisfied school-based provision would be inappropriate, within the EHC framework.
Can I deregister and use an online school while waiting for the local authority?
Some parents choose EHE and enrol with an online school. That is a major decision. Read GOV.UK’s home education page and our deregistration guide before acting, and get advice if an EHC plan or special school is involved.
Is online schooling legal in the UK?
Yes — education is compulsory; school attendance is not the only lawful route. Check safeguarding, quality and exams carefully.
Will you tell me which school to pick?
Parents tell us comparing schools and costs is overwhelming. We do that research for you and recommend the best fit.
We only recommend online schools that meet strong Department for Education standards for teaching and care.
No cost to you. We discuss the best options and refer you to the right school(s) for your situation.