Homeschooling on the rise – especially in Lambeth, latest stats reveal
Homeschooling has risen by almost 400 per cent in Lambeth in the past decade, according to figures obtained under Freedom of Information (FOI).
In 2013, 46 children were homeschooled in the borough, but that number has risen to 227 in 2022, suggesting it is not just adults who are embracing work from home these days.
The numbers were rising before the pandemic and have continued to increase in spite of a return to relative normality.
The number of primary-aged children being taught at home rose from 75 to 90 (20 per cent) and the number of secondary-aged children has risen from 92 to 137 (49 per cent).
Although the rise follows a trend seen elsewhere in the capital, Lambeth’s figures are particularly dramatic.
Homeschooling provider Wolsey Hall, Oxford, which made the FOI request, believes the numbers are high because of a lack of progress in some pupils in mainstream schools and a lack of faith in the teaching at some establishments.
Wolsey also believes more parents than ever have safety concerns or worry about bullying, have worries about the ability of a school to deal with behavioural problems in their own children or are nomadic and live unconventionally, as travellers.
A spokesman said: “The figures show that despite Covid-19, restrictions easing up, and schools re-opening, many parents have opted to continue homeschooling their children.
“They reflect a similar picture seen across the UK, as statistics show that there are now more than 71,000 homeschoolers – up from 59,559 in 2018 and 22,408 in 2013.”
Wolsey Hall Oxford principal Lee Wilcock said: “What seems very apparent is that those parents who chose to try homeschooling for the first time during Covid-19 have realised how beneficial online learning can be.
“Homeschooling allows children to learn at their own pace and at a time which suits them. It is a much more child-centred approach to education than is available in a traditional classroom.”
The organisation claims a vast majority of parents believe that their child’s well-being has improved since they opted to homeschool.
The teaching union NASUWT has been approached for a comment.
Pictured top: Reading away from the classroom (Picture: Wikimedia Commons/Nicu Buculei)
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