Hillingdon homeschooling increased by 145% over last five years

A new study looking into the growth of home education in London has revealed a 582% increase in the number of children being taught at home over the last 10 years.

The research, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by Oxford Home Schooling, part of Oxford Open Learning Trust, revealed the number of children registered as home educated in London increased from 559 to 3,815 children between 2006 and 2016.

Newham has seen the biggest increase in children being home educated over the last ten years (686%), followed by Hackney, which has had a 323% increase, and Ealing with a 304% increase.

All London boroughs that responded to the FOI request reported an increase in home education over the last ten years.

Over the last five years alone, the number of children registered as home educated increased 102%.

This is compared to just a 11% increase in the number of school pupils between 2011 and 2016.

Camden has seen the biggest uptake of home education over the last five years (518%) compared to just a 3% increase in school pupils, followed by Ealing (233%), Hillingdon (145%) and Hackney (138%).

Other boroughs following the trend are Redbridge (105%), Richmond-upon-Thames (95%) and Bexley (91%).

The top five boroughs which have seen biggest increase in homeschooling over the last five years are:

1.     Camden (518%)

2.     Ealing (233%)

3.     Hillingdon (145%)

4.     Hackney (138%)

5.     Brent (128%)

Dr Nick Smith, principal at Oxford Home Schooling, said: “The growth of home education in London reflects London’s changing diversity and needs.

“One school structure doesn’t fit all and online home education providers like Oxford Home Schooling enable people to access alternatives much more easily.”