School Isn't For Everyone (and what you can do instead)
A Practical Neuro-affirming Guide to Unschooling
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- Foreword
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Unschooling, a learner-centred educational philosophy, breaks away from the confines of traditional schooling, advocating for a more organic, child-centric approach.
Its essence lies in the belief that learning is a natural and lifelong process. It is cemented in the fact that children are innately curious and capable of directing their own education when provided with a nurturing and resource-rich environment. This book delves into the principles of unschooling, providing insights into its benefits, challenges, and practical application.
School Isn't For Everyone shows what is possible when you leave school behind and start living a life of learning. It discusses the principles that form this educational philosophy, explains how unschooling works, sets out what the parents' role is and explores what children do all day when they don't follow a curriculum. It draws on current theory and evidence whilst sharing practical tips and being grounded in the reality of day-to-day life with children. It does this by including interviews with unschooling families, exercises for parents to help reinforce ideas, listing key points in every chapter and including diagrams to illustrate the concepts being explored.
Whether you are a parent looking for alternatives to school, are already home educating and exploring the possibilities, have found yourself unexpectedly unschooling or are certain that this is the route for you, this book serves as a guide to both understanding and implementing the core principles, taking you on a journey from schooled to unschooled and releasing you and your child into a life full of learning.
Its essence lies in the belief that learning is a natural and lifelong process. It is cemented in the fact that children are innately curious and capable of directing their own education when provided with a nurturing and resource-rich environment. This book delves into the principles of unschooling, providing insights into its benefits, challenges, and practical application.
School Isn't For Everyone shows what is possible when you leave school behind and start living a life of learning. It discusses the principles that form this educational philosophy, explains how unschooling works, sets out what the parents' role is and explores what children do all day when they don't follow a curriculum. It draws on current theory and evidence whilst sharing practical tips and being grounded in the reality of day-to-day life with children. It does this by including interviews with unschooling families, exercises for parents to help reinforce ideas, listing key points in every chapter and including diagrams to illustrate the concepts being explored.
Whether you are a parent looking for alternatives to school, are already home educating and exploring the possibilities, have found yourself unexpectedly unschooling or are certain that this is the route for you, this book serves as a guide to both understanding and implementing the core principles, taking you on a journey from schooled to unschooled and releasing you and your child into a life full of learning.
- Published: Feb 19 2026
- Pages: 224
- ISBN: 9781805018056
Press Reviews
Eliza Fricker, The Sunday Times bestselling author of Can't Not Won't
Heidi's book offers a comprehensive guide through an experience that, for many families, can feel like free falling. Instead, with her rational and calming words, we are led through a thoroughly researched and reassuring journey, filled with practical ways to make it work or better yet, to help our children truly thrive.
Alice Bramhill, Psychotherapist, Coach & RNMH, Unschooling Parent
This book is a breath of fresh air for families , particularly neurodivergent ones, who know school isn't working but don't know what comes next. Heidi Steel writes with practical wisdom about learning without force, without curriculum, without the anxiety that so often comes with traditional education. Her approach centres the child's natural curiosity and honours their unique way of being in the world. As a neurodivergent parent and professional, I recognise the relational foundation she builds throughout this book. The emphasis on acceptance, trust and co-regulation aligns perfectly with what neurodivergent children and families need to thrive. This is a guide for parents who are ready to question everything they thought they knew about learning and childhood.
Peter Gray, Research Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience and author of Free to Learn.
Heidi Steel's School Isn't for Everyone is one of the strongest, clearest, most forthright statements on what unschooling is all about that I have come across. I recommend it to anyone bold enough to consider an approach to life, for themselves and their kids, that is free of the harnesses imposed by school or a school- like mentality.
Lainie Liberti, author of Seen, Heard & Understood: Parenting and Partnering with Teens for Greater Mental Health
A grounded, practical guide for anyone curious about unschooling and its power to nurture lifelong learning and family connection. The chapter on teens, screens, and socialization offers especially valuable insights for families navigating the teen years.
Alice Khimasia, Unschooler, TEDx Speaker and Advocate for the Right to Learn
A knowledgeable companion for the road less travelled, Heidi Steel offers wisdom, encouragement and practical insight for anyone drawn to unschooling. Her words provide reassurance and inspiration to those taking their first steps, and validation to those already walking the path.
Artemis Bear, founder and director of The Garden and co-creator at Freedom to Learn
Heidi Steel's School Isn't For Everyone is a paradigm-shifting and grounded guide for anyone curious about a life without school. With warmth and wisdom, Heidi dismantles the myth that children need coercion to learn, and instead shows how trust, play, and connection can unlock potential and joy for the whole family. This book is a vital resource for anyone daring to imagine education beyond the system's oppressive and outdated confines.
Esther Jones, author of The Parent's Handbook to Unschooling Yourself
Heidi's many years as a teacher and as a home-educating parent, come together in this friendly and accessible book. School Isn't For Everyone (and what you can do instead) feels like a supportive and reassuring conversation with a wise friend.