OVER the last 10 years homeschooling has risen by 370 per cent in Warrington.
Figures supplied through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by homeschooling provider Wolsey Hall Oxford revealed that in 2013, 37 children were homeschooled in Warrington.
But by 2022 this had increased to 174.
In the last four years alone, Warrington has seen an overall rise in homeschooling of 115 per cent.
The number of primary-aged children being taught at home rose from 41 to 76 (85 per cent) and the number of secondary-aged children has risen from 40 to 98 (145 per cent).
These figures show that despite Covid-19 restrictions easing up, and schools re-opening, many parents have opted to continue homeschooling their children. They reflect a similar picture seen across the UK, as statistics show that there are now more than 71,515 homeschoolers – up from 59,559 in 2018.
Wolsey Hall Oxford Principal, Lee Wilcock said: “What seems very apparent is that those parents who chose to try homeschooling for the first time during Covid-19 have realised how beneficial online learning can be. Homeschooling allows children to learn at their own pace and at a time that suits them. It is a much more child-centred approach to education than is available in a traditional classroom.”
Some of the most common reasons for parents to choose homeschooling include:
• Lack of progress or underachievement at mainstream schools
• Frustration with teaching standards in mainstream schools
• Concerns for their child’s safety/bullying
• Behavioural issues that are not suitably dealt with in mainstream schooling
• Medical reasons or learning difficulties that inhibit a child’s ability to learn in a conventional environment
• Travelling and expat families
• Gifted/higher learning potential students or those who are elite athletes/in the performing arts industry
A survey in September this year – and completed by 343 parents – concluded that 91.5 per cent of parents believe that their child’s well-being has improved since they opted to homeschool.
Founded in 1894, Wolsey Hall Oxford claims to be the world’s most experienced home study provider
