Wiltshire Home Education Enrollment More Than Doubles

The count of children transitioning to home education in Wiltshire has more than doubled since the 2019/2020 academic year, coinciding with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Data obtained by the BBC through freedom of information requests indicates a 128% increase in children opting for home education between the 2019/2020 period and the most recent academic year. Wiltshire Council reported a sustained increase in home education since the pandemic began, yet noted that the overall number of pupils educated at home within the county remains among the lowest in south-west England. Councillor Laura Mayes, the cabinet member for education and skills, stated: “We support parents’ rights to choose to home educate and we know it can be a positive experience.” She further commented: “Most families who choose to Electively Home Educate their children are doing so successfully and in a way that fulfils parental obligations within the Education Act 1996.” Specifically, 302 children transitioned to home education in Wiltshire in 2019. This figure rose to 689 in the most recent year, representing a 128% increase. The council also noted, however, that there was “always fluidity within this group of children and young people, with 250 pupils returning to school settings from home education during the academic year”. Furthermore, the council clarified that home-educated children constitute 1.1% of the total school-aged population in Wiltshire. Mayes stated: “We are keen to build links with our home-educating families and communities to understand the reasons that parents choose Elective Home Education, and we are committed to providing advice and guidance for parents and carers in matters of Elective Home Education.” An increase in children transitioning to home education has also been observed across the wider region. South Gloucestershire experienced a 116% rise, from 156 to 337, between 2019/20 and 2023/24, while Bristol recorded a 96% increase, from 270 to 530, during the same period. The government intends to establish a register for all children not attending school, as outlined in its Children’s Wellbeing Bill. A spokesperson for the Department for Education commented: “Our mission is to break down the barriers to opportunity, so every pupil has the best life chances.“That includes making sure every child is receiving a suitable education for their age, ability, aptitude, and any special educational needs whether they are in school or at home.” For updates, BBC Wiltshire can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas may be sent via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Details on its approach to external linking are available.