NEWS: Home Education Rises by Over 20% in London

As reported by The BBC, the number of children being educated at home in London has risen sharply over the past year

New data from the Department for Education (DfE) shows an increase from 9,540 in 2022–2023 to 11,780 in 2024–2025. The figures highlight a growing trend of families opting out of traditional schooling, with the largest rise seen in Tower Hamlets, where numbers surged by 63%, from 240 to 390 pupils. Other significant increases were recorded in Bexley (up 58%) and Barking and Dagenham (up 57%).

This marks the first time home education data has been collected under a mandatory national framework, which the DfE notes may partly explain the rise.

Government data points to a range of reasons for the shift. About 23% of families cite lifestyle, philosophical, or religious beliefs with many seeking an alternative to an exam-based system. Around 13% of families reference dissatisfaction with school, including issues such as bullying and lack of support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). A further 14% say their decision is driven by concerns over children’s mental health.

A DfE spokesperson said: “In the vast majority of cases, children can achieve and thrive best in schools; but we support parents’ right to home educate when the education is suitable and it is in the child’s best interests. We want children to have the best life chances no matter the education setting.

While home-educating parents are not required to follow the national curriculum, they are legally responsible for ensuring their child receives an education suitable for their age, ability and any special needs.”

Currently, no legal obligation exists for families to notify their local authority if they choose to home educate. However, this could change under the proposed Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which is progressing through Parliament. The bill includes plans for a national register of children not in school, aiming to help local authorities ensure all children are receiving a suitable education and are safeguarded.