Steve Bladon, a headteacher with a decade of experience, found himself struggling when his 11-year-old daughter became so anxious that she couldn't leave the house. Forced to home educate her, Bladon admitted feeling "absolutely lost" and unsure how to help her, recognizing she needed space to manage her anxiety.
This situation is not unique. Recent data has shown a significant rise in home education across the UK, with over 126,000 children being educated at home in 2022-23, a 60% increase since 2018-19. While home education was once seen as an alternative lifestyle choice, many families are now turning to it out of necessity, driven largely by anxiety and a lack of support within the education system.
A recent report revealed that 40% of the children who are deregistered from school have no clear reason listed, but many experts believe anxiety and special needs are the underlying causes. Families, often living in poverty, are desperate for help and want to avoid penalties for their children’s absences.
The pandemic accelerated this trend, but even after schools reopened, home education numbers have continued to climb. Research shows that around 75% of families choose to home educate because they feel the school system is failing to meet their child's needs, especially when dealing with special educational needs, disabilities, or severe mental health issues.
Bladon’s own daughter had thrived at primary school but became overwhelmed after transitioning to secondary school. Her anxiety led her to stop eating and sleeping, and despite her struggles, the family was repeatedly told she had to attend school due to strict government guidelines.
Parents in England and Wales are legally required to ensure their children receive a full-time education from the ages of 5 to 16. Local authorities can impose fines or even pursue legal action if children miss school without authorization, further pressuring families already in crisis.
Bladon is part of an online group of parents who share similar stories of feeling forced into home education as their children struggle with overwhelming anxiety. He likens forcing anxious children to attend school to making them "go back into a burning building." Despite managing to arrange home education and gradual reintegration for his daughter, Bladon knows his situation is not typical. Many families face continued pressure from schools, with some feeling pushed to deregister their children altogether.
The lack of formal regulation around home education means many families are left to fend for themselves. While local councils can intervene if they believe a child isn’t receiving adequate education at home, many are overstretched and unable to offer much assistance.
Some councils are beginning to address the issue. Nottingham has invested in additional mental health support for schools and created remote learning units to help children stay connected to the classroom, offering a lifeline for those struggling with traditional schooling.
The rising numbers of home-schooled children highlight the growing crisis in the UK education system. Without further action, experts warn that many children may continue to fall through the cracks, unable to access the support they desperately need.
