The number of children being home-schooled in Gateshead has surged dramatically, with almost 500 now receiving their education at home. This represents a striking 98% increase since the 2020/21 academic year, when only 247 children were registered for home education. As of the 2024/25 academic year, a total of 491 children are being taught at home, illustrating a significant shift in educational choices within the borough.
The figures, presented during a recent meeting of Gateshead Council’s family scrutiny committee, reveal that while the numbers of home-schooled children fluctuate throughout the academic year, there has been a consistent upward trend. By the end of the previous school year, 397 children were officially on the home education register, marking a 35% increase in registrations. Council officials noted that the variations tend to be more pronounced among secondary school-age children, particularly as examination periods approach.
Factors Influencing the Rise in Home Schooling
The council’s report highlighted several key reasons for the growing popularity of home schooling. These include mental health concerns, philosophical beliefs, and general dissatisfaction with traditional schooling. The lingering impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic also played a crucial role, as many families reassessed their educational preferences during lockdowns.
In a statement from the Gateshead Council report, it was noted: “There is an increasing year-on-year trend of parents who are choosing to educate their children at home in Gateshead. There are processes in place to oversee and support the arrangements for children educated at home to ensure parents are informed of their obligations at the point of deregistration and that children and young people are receiving appropriate education and they are safe.”
The trend is not unique to Gateshead. Nearby North Tyneside Council recently released a report indicating that nearly 300 children, aged between 5 and 16, are being educated at home. This demonstrates a wider movement towards alternative education options across the region.
National Trends in Home Education
Nationally, the rise in home schooling reflects a broader shift in educational practices. According to recent figures from the Department for Education, by the end of the 2024/25 academic year, a total of 175,900 children across the UK had been educated at home for at least part of the year, representing a 15% increase compared to the previous year. This trend underscores the increasing acceptance and organization of home education as a viable alternative to traditional schooling.
As Gateshead continues to see a rise in home schooling, the local council remains committed to supporting families in this educational choice. The ongoing evaluation of home education practices aims to ensure that all children receive a quality education while maintaining their safety and well-being.
