Implement the requirement for consent of both parents for child school enrolment

17
signatures
closedDepartment for EducationOpened 29 July 2025Closed 29 January 2026

Background

We call upon the UK Government to introduce statutory regulations requiring that the enrolment of a child in any educational institution in England and Wales must be lawfully conducted with the wilful and fully informed consent of both parents with parental responsibility.

Additional details

Under the Children Act 1989, both parents with Parental Responsibility should be involved in major decisions like school enrolment. Currently, one parent can enrol their child without the other’s knowledge, which we think could be used as a tool of coercive control. This can harm children and exclude parents from proper joint decision making.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 732073.