New figures from the Department for Education (DfE) reveal a significant surge in homeschooling across England, with 97,000 children educated at home during the summer term of 2023 – an increase of 11,000 compared to just six months prior. This represents more than one in 100 children in England being educated outside traditional school settings.
While the Covid-19 pandemic initially sparked a rise in homeschooling, only 4% of parents now cite health concerns as their primary motivation for opting out of mainstream schooling. Instead, nearly a quarter of families – 23% – point to 'lifestyle choice' and 'philosophical or preferential reasons', indicating a more deliberate and long-term commitment to home education.
The increase in homeschooling coincides with persistent challenges in school attendance, which remain above pre-pandemic levels. Between September and mid-January, 20% of secondary school pupils in England were persistently absent – although this is an improvement on the 24% from the previous year. For children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), the persistent absence rate was even higher, at 35%.
Educational leaders have expressed concerns over these trends. Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, urged ministers to address the underlying social issues contributing to increased homeschooling and persistent absence. He highlighted that schools often lack the necessary resources and expertise to tackle complex problems, while vital support services like children's social care and mental health provision have faced cuts or struggled to keep pace with demand.
In response to growing concerns over children not formally enrolled in school, there are plans to introduce legislation for a compulsory register. Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is reportedly planning such legislation, which the government has indicated it will support through a private member's bill – although these moves have been met with opposition from some quarters.