The State of Education: Why are so many parents opting out?

The STATE of Education. Why are so many parents opting out?

Dr Val Fraser Education Adviser, and Former Teacher, Teacher Educator and OFSTED Inspector for HMG.

In the last four years home education rates have increased and are estimated to be 100,000 across England. That is more than one in 100 children with many (25%) parents citing lifestyle or “philosophical reasons” for abandoning traditional classrooms. Pre 2020 the number was estimated to be 55,000.

In addition we have chronic absenteeism. Statistics show that 20% of secondary school pupils in England were persistently absent from September to mid-January 2024, far above the 11% recorded in 2018-19. However, the situation is much higher for those with complex SEN (standing at 35%)

And then there are the children who can’t be found. Estimates calculate 130,000 ‘ghost’ children are not known to schools or LAs.

Why are parents voting with their feet on state education?

We will explore the mix of external measures from government in play on this and trace their timeline, as well as the current environment in schools which makes it a demoralising experience for so many youngsters and their families. We will try to understand what has gone so desperately wrong but also consider solutions to these problems and more inspiring models of educating the young.