The lesson plan for Why Did Henry VIII Start His Own Church? is designed to help home-educating families explore one of the most important turning points in English history. This structured plan focuses on the dramatic moment when King Henry VIII broke away from the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church to form the Church of England. It covers the personal, political, and religious reasons behind Henry’s decision, including his desire for a male heir, the Pope’s refusal to annul his marriage, and the creation of the Act of Supremacy.

The lesson includes clear learning objectives, thought-provoking discussion questions, creative writing prompts, and deeper thinking tasks. It encourages learners to think critically about power, religion, and the long-lasting impact of one monarch’s choices.

Whether your child enjoys drawing, writing, debating, or researching, there’s something here for everyone. Parents can use the plan flexibly — as a single focused session, or as part of a larger study of the Tudors or religious change in British history. You don’t need to be an expert to guide this lesson. Everything is explained in simple terms to help you support your learner confidently.

This resource has been carefully designed for Elective Home Education families. It’s printable, adaptable, and suitable for learners aged 8 to 16, with ideas to stretch curious minds and spark discussion.