Is Home Schooling Really Tripling Since Covid?

The rise of home schooling in Wales has seen a dramatic increase, with the number of children being educated at home nearly tripling since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the last recorded year, 7,176 children were home schooled, marking the highest figure since records began, though this still represents less than 2% of the total student population in Wales.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Home schooling in Wales has surged from 2,517 children in 2018-19 to 7,176 in 2022-23.
• Less than 2% of children in Wales are currently home educated.
• Many parents cite mental health and learning difficulties as reasons for choosing home education.
• Ceredigion has the highest rate of home schooling, at 32.6 per 1,000 pupils.
• The Welsh government acknowledges the right to home educate while emphasising the importance of traditional schooling.

The Growth of Home Schooling in Wales

Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, the trend of home schooling in Wales has escalated significantly. The latest statistics reveal that the number of children home educated has increased from 2,517 in the academic year 2018-19 to a staggering 7,176 in 2022-23. This dramatic rise reflects a societal shift towards alternative education methods, particularly during and after the pandemic.

Historical Context and Current Trends

When home schooling records began in the 2014-15 academic year, only 1,399 children were being educated at home. This number has seen a consistent year-on-year increase, highlighting a growing trend among parents seeking alternatives to traditional schooling. The rate of home-schooled pupils has risen from 1.6 per 1,000 pupils in 2009-10 to approximately 15.3 per 1,000 pupils projected for 2024-25.

Local Variations and Statistics

Ceredigion stands out as the area with the highest rate of home education, with 32.6 of every 1,000 pupils being home schooled in 2024-25. This suggests that regional factors may play a significant role in determining the prevalence of home education, with some local authorities potentially being more supportive of alternative educational methods than others.

Reasons for Home Schooling

Parents have various motivations for opting to home school their children. Many cite mental health challenges, learning disabilities, and social anxieties as significant factors influencing their decision. One heartening example is the case of 15-year-old Mali, who found herself overwhelmed by traditional schooling due to her dyslexia and panic attacks. Her mother, Meinir, noted that since transitioning to home education, Mali has become "a lot more confident," demonstrating the positive impact that tailored learning environments can have on children's well-being.

Mental Health and Learning Needs

The experience of Mali is not isolated. Many parents report that their children experience stress and anxiety in busy school settings. Gavin and Kate Gibson, former secondary school teachers who started a home education business in 2024, highlight the struggles faced by neurodiverse children in traditional school environments. They argue that returning to a busy school setting can be daunting for children who have become accustomed to a quieter, more individually paced learning experience.

Educational Support Challenges

As the number of diagnoses for conditions such as autism spectrum disorder has increased, the challenges faced by schools in providing adequate support have also grown. Rocio Cifuentes, Wales' children's commissioner, points out that many families feel that home education is their "only option" due to insufficient support for additional learning needs and mental health concerns. This reflects a broader issue within the educational system regarding resource allocation and the ability to meet diverse student needs.

The Role of the Welsh Government

In response to the rising trend of home schooling, the Welsh government has acknowledged the right of parents to educate their children at home while emphasising that the majority of children are best served by attending school. They also highlight their legal duty to ensure that all home-educated children receive a suitable education. This indicates a recognition of the importance of oversight in home education while still valuing parental choice.

Legal Framework and Responsibilities

Under current laws, parents who choose to home educate their children are required to notify their local authority. This notification is crucial for monitoring educational standards and ensuring that children receive an adequate education, though the actual number of home-schooled children may be higher than reported due to voluntary notification practices.

What Lies Ahead for Home Education in Wales?

As the trend of home schooling continues to grow, it is imperative for Welsh authorities to consider how best to support both home-educating families and the traditional school system. This includes addressing the underlying issues that lead families to choose home education, such as insufficient mental health support and learning resources.

Future Strategies and Considerations

Moving forward, it will be essential for the Welsh government to implement strategies that ensure all children, regardless of their educational setting, receive the support they need. This may involve increased funding for mental health resources and training for school staff on how to better accommodate students with diverse needs.

Conclusion

The significant rise in home schooling in Wales reflects changing perspectives on education and the urgent need for tailored learning solutions. As more families opt for home education, it raises vital questions about how the education system can adapt to meet the needs of all students. The balance between traditional schooling and home education must be carefully navigated to ensure that no child is left behind. What further changes might be necessary to support families choosing this educational path?

#HomeSchooling #WalesEducation #MentalHealthInEducation

FAQs

What is the current number of home-schooled children in Wales?

As of the latest statistics, 7,176 children in Wales are home-schooled, showing a significant increase since before the pandemic.

Why are parents choosing to home school their children?

Parents often cite reasons such as mental health issues, learning disabilities, and social anxiety as key factors prompting their decision to home school.

What is the legal requirement for home schooling in Wales?

Parents must notify their local authority if they choose to home educate their children, ensuring that there is oversight and that children receive a suitable education.

Is home schooling a growing trend in Wales?

Yes, home schooling has nearly tripled since before the Covid-19 pandemic, indicating a significant trend towards alternative education methods.

What support is available for home-educated children in Wales?

The Welsh government acknowledges the right to home educate and mandates local authorities to ensure that home-educated children receive a suitable education, although specific support may vary.