Over the last decade, homeschooling has risen by 279 per cent in Slough.

This is according to new figures supplied through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by homeschooling provider Wolsey Hall Oxford. 

The figures revealed that 66 children were homeschooled in Slough in 2013 but by 2022 this had increased to 250. 

In the last four years alone, Slough has seen an overall rise in homeschooling of 85 per cent.

The number of Primary-aged children being taught at home rose from 63 to 109 (73 per cent) and the number of Secondary-aged children has risen from 72 to 141 (96 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 and 22,408 in 2013.

The data has been collated by Wolsey Hall Oxford FOI requests to 100 UK Councils.

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 which suits them. It is a much more child-centred approach to education than is available in a traditional classroom.” 

Of course, the pandemic is not the only reason parents have opted to homeschool their children.

Common reasons for parents to choose homeschooling include, concerns for children's safety, lack of progress, behavioural and medical issues and frustrations with teaching standards.

In a well-being survey of 343 parents conducted by Wolsey Hall Oxford in September 2022, 91.5 per cent of parents believe that their child’s well-being has improved since they opted to homeschool.  

One said: “My son has thrived. He is a true introvert. He loves being around people socially, but it tires him out, so school left him feeling drained, with no energy for true social interactions.

"Being able to learn alone and quietly has left him with plenty of energy for social and extra-curricular activities."