Home Education Figures Increase in Devon and Cornwall

The number of families opting for home education in Devon and Cornwall has significantly increased. Data indicates that these figures have approximately doubled across Cornwall and Devon, with Plymouth experiencing the most substantial rise at 156% over the last five academic years. An expert from the University of Exeter stated that various factors contribute to individuals choosing home education, noting that the lockdown period played a role in familiarizing more parents with the concept. In response to a BBC investigation into national figures, the Department for Education announced its intention to introduce a new register to monitor the situation and to reform the special educational needs (SEND) system. Joanna Merrett, a doctoral student specializing in home education at the University of Exeter, commented that the lockdown during the Covid pandemic “gave people an opportunity to try” home education. She elaborated: “It became something really well known rather than on the fringes of what people were thinking about.” Ms. Merrett added that research suggests “families of children with special educational needs, school anxiety or medical conditions have found it to be a suitable alternative.” She also mentioned anecdotal evidence indicating that some families are turning to home education due to a lack of resources and support in schools. Ms. Merrett highlighted that while parents can find and share effective home education resources, a problem exists where families must pay hundreds of pounds to facilitate exams if their child is not registered at a school. National government data from the education census in Autumn 2023 shows that philosophical reasons remained the primary known cause for transitioning to home education (16% of the total), with mental health closely following (13%). Mental health has also seen the second largest increase as a reason cited by families choosing Elective Home Education (EHE) since Autumn 2022. The new Labour government has committed to establishing registers for children not attending school. Currently, parents are not legally obliged to notify councils if they decide to home educate. A spokesperson for the Department for Education stated its aim to ensure that “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.” The spokesperson further added: “We are legislating for Children Not in School registers so local authorities can better identify and support all home educated children, and reforming the SEND system so more children receive earlier and better support to thrive in education.”