Home education is a “beneficial option for those facing difficulties in traditional schooling,” declares 12-year-old Addison, who transitioned from a conventional school setting to learning at home.

He is part of an increasing community of children receiving their education at home.

Recent statistics from the Department for Education reveal a rise in home education within the capital, climbing from 9,540 students in the 2022-2023 academic year to 11,780 in 2024-2025.

Parents throughout England are opting for home education for a variety of reasons, such as lifestyle preferences, religious or cultural convictions, dissatisfaction with exam-centric education, or a desire to better support their child’s educational and mental health needs, according to official data.

“I cannot see how home education could be seen as problematic,” Addison shares.

“There are numerous justifications for choosing home education. For instance, some might leave school due to bullying, or because the school environment isn’t suitable for them, or they may have special educational needs.”

Home education allows parents to teach their children at home, either full-time or part-time, often referred to as elective home education.

The most significant increase has been noted in Tower Hamlets, with a 63% rise from 240 to 390 students.

Bexley follows closely with a 58% increase, from 260 children to 410, while Barking and Dagenham saw a 57% jump, from 350 to 550.

Nationwide statistics released late last year indicate that about 23% of parents choose to home educate due to lifestyle or philosophical reasons, or a desire to move away from exam-based systems.

Around 13% cite dissatisfaction with schools, highlighting inadequate support for special educational needs and experiences of bullying.

Additionally, 14% mention their child’s mental health as a reason for home education.

This marks the first time such data collection has become a requirement, which the DfE attributes as a possible factor in the observed growth.

A spokesperson from the DfE stated: “In most instances, children tend to thrive best within a school environment; however, we respect parents’ rights to home educate when it serves the child’s best interest.”

“We aim for all children to have optimal life opportunities, regardless of their educational setting.”

Ben, who has been home-schooled his entire academic life, expresses that it grants him “the freedom to choose my learning paths.”

“I cover all subjects typically taught in school but in a way that suits me,” states the 13-year-old. “I’m currently considering the texts I’d like to study for my GCSEs in English.”

According to the Education Act, parents who opt for home education can choose to follow the national curriculum but are not obligated to do so.

They are, nonetheless, responsible for ensuring that the education provided aligns with the child’s age, abilities, and any special educational needs they may have.

Presently, there is no legal requirement for parents to inform local authorities about their home education efforts.

Nevertheless, the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill is progressing through parliament, which includes plans for a register of Children Not in School so local authorities can track children not attending school in their areas and ensure they receive appropriate education.

The bill also addresses safeguarding and welfare mechanisms for children, support for those in care or transitioning from care, and regulations governing independent educational institutions.

Ben questions, “How do you differentiate between those who are at risk and those who are not?”

Addison suggests, “There’s a lack of understanding about what home education entails. Until that understanding is achieved, the bill may not fulfill its intentions regarding children’s wellbeing.”

The DfE spokesperson reiterated: “Achieving and maintaining high educational standards is fundamental to this government’s commitment to creating opportunities for every child. We will introduce statutory registers of Children Not In School through our Children’s Wellbeing Bill, ensuring that all children not in school are accounted for, and that those in unsuitable educational settings receive the support they need.”

Beth Prescott, from the Centre for Social Justice, emphasizes the importance of implementing the register in a manner that does not infringe on families’ rights to educate at home.

“It is essential for those families who may not have chosen home education initially; we want to reach out to them to offer assistance if they desire it,” she remarks.

“For us, this adds a crucial layer of safeguarding for a small number of children for whom home may not be a safe environment, ensuring we know their whereabouts so we can assist if required.”

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill is scheduled to return to parliament on May 20.

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