London home schooling doubles in five years

There has been a massive increase in the number of London schoolchildren who learn from home, according to a new study by Oxford Home Schooling.

It found that between 2006 and 2016, there has been a 582% increase in the number of children being taught at home, with a 102% increase in the last five years since 2011, compared just an 11% increase in the number of school pupils between 2011 and 2016.

The trend has had an impact on demand for property in some areas because the choice of schools can be such an important factor for families choosing where to live.

Overall, the details, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, found that the number of children registered as home educated in London increased from 559 to 3,815 between 2006 and 2016.

Newham has seen the biggest increase over the last 10 years, with a 686% increase, followed by Hackney, with a 323% increase and Ealing with a rise of 304%. Brent and Lewisham also have increases of over 200%.

In 2015, Newham had the biggest increase in property prices in the UK, according to the Halifax House Price Index.

And prices are expected to continue to rise in Newham and Lewisham, both of which are close to the top of a forecast from property group Savills, of the London boroughs expected to see the fastest house price growth between 2016 and 2020.

All London boroughs that responded reported an increase in home education over the last decade and overall, since 2011, the number of children registered as home educated went up by 102%.

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 an 11% increase in the number of school pupils between 2011 and 2016.

During that five year period, Camden has seen the biggest rise in the number of home-schooled children, up 518%, compared to just a 3% rise in school pupils, followed by Ealing with a 233% rise, Hillingdon which has seen a 145% increase and Hackney with 138%, Redbridge 105%, Richmond-upon-Thames 95% and Bexley with 91%.

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.”

Oxford Home Schooling said it is important for children who are home educated to attend activities and groups outside of home education so they get to meet other children and socialise in different ways.