Save money on home education — it’s something almost every parent thinks about once they begin the journey. While home education gives families flexibility, freedom, and the chance to tailor learning to each child’s strengths, it can also become expensive. From curriculum packs and subscriptions to textbooks, workshops, and trips, the costs add up quickly.
The good news? With some creativity, planning, and support, it’s entirely possible to save money on home education without compromising on quality. In fact, many parents find that by being intentional, they create a richer learning experience at a fraction of the cost.
Here are some practical strategies every HomeEd parent can use.
1. Use Free and Low-Cost Resources
One of the most effective ways to save money on home education is to make the most of free resources. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of high-quality content available:
- Online platforms like BBC Bitesize, Khan Academy, and NRICH offer free lessons, exercises, and challenges.
- Open educational resources (OERs) — free worksheets, lesson plans, and even entire curricula can be found online.
- Libraries — not just for books. Many UK libraries now offer free eBooks, audiobooks, and even subscriptions to premium learning apps.
- Museums & galleries — often free or discounted entry, plus online resources for children.
A family who leans on these kinds of resources can easily save hundreds each year.
2. Join a Home Education Community
Community is one of the most underrated ways to cut costs. When you connect with other parents, you’ll quickly find that resource-sharing is second nature. Families often swap textbooks, lend out equipment, or pool together to hire tutors or run workshops at a lower cost.
At Home Ed. Circles, our private community space is designed to make this easier. Instead of feeling isolated, you can ask questions, share resources, and learn directly from parents who’ve already figured out cost-saving strategies.
3. Make the Most of HomeEd Discounts
Sometimes, saving money comes down to finding the right deal at the right time. That’s why we launched our HomeEd Discounts page
.
We partner with trusted companies to bring families exclusive savings on software, classes, and resources. On average, we negotiate around 35% off online software, but in some cases, we’ve managed to secure over double that. Parents save money, and our small affiliate commission helps keep Home Ed. Circles sustainable — a win–win for everyone.
For families balancing multiple subscriptions and resource costs, these savings add up quickly over the year.
4. Think Second-Hand and DIY
Not everything has to be bought brand new. Second-hand marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and charity shops are treasure troves for textbooks, manipulatives, and even microscopes or musical instruments.
Equally, some of the best learning resources are the ones you create yourself. Maths with Lego bricks, science in the kitchen, or history through storytelling costs next to nothing but leaves a lasting impression.
One parent once said to me: “My most successful geography lesson was a walk around our town — and it was free.”
5. Budget for the Big Wins
When money is tight, it’s tempting to spread resources thinly across every subject. But often the biggest impact comes from investing smartly in the essentials:
A solid maths or English curriculum that gives structure and confidence.
A well-chosen subscription for a subject your child loves.
Occasional specialist tutoring in areas they find challenging.
By focusing your budget where it matters most, you ensure the quality of your child’s education stays high, even while cutting back elsewhere.
6. Save Through Everyday Learning
One of the hidden benefits of home education is that learning happens everywhere — and it doesn’t always require paid resources. Cooking becomes a maths and science lesson. Gardening covers biology and responsibility. A trip to the park can spark curiosity in physics and nature.
By reframing everyday experiences as learning opportunities, you not only save money but also show your child that education isn’t confined to textbooks.
7. Learn With Us on YouTube
Sometimes the best way to save money is by learning new teaching strategies yourself, rather than paying for endless resources. That’s why we’re building our YouTube Channel.
We share practical tips, teaching approaches, and money-saving ideas for parents — so you can feel confident in your home education journey without constantly spending on “the next thing.”
Final Thoughts
Yes, home education can get expensive — but it doesn’t have to break the bank. By using free resources, connecting with a community, and taking advantage of exclusive deals like those on our HomeEd Discounts page, you can save money on home education while still giving your child the very best learning experiences.
At Home Ed. Circles, we’re here to help parents find practical solutions that make the journey easier, more affordable, and more rewarding.
👉 Start today by exploring our HomeEd Discounts and subscribing to our YouTube Channel for more tips and resources.