Recently published DfE figures show a further increase in the number of children being home schooled

Department for Education figures show some 97,000 children were educated at home in summer term 2023, an 11,000 rise on the previous term and close to double the number pre-Covid. A report from The Guardian in late January, suggests ‘lifestyle’ or ‘philosophical’ reasons have influenced almost a quarter of parents making this choice.

Home schooling is provided in the UK by a growing range of online schools (remote schools), with some parents also stepping in to act as teacher. There may be a variety of reasons for home schooling, including children’s health needs, family geographic location or the requirement to balance school with other commitments such as elite sport training or a professional acting career.

Further reading: A parents’ guide to online schools

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