The Isle of Wight has the highest proportion of home-educated children in England, according to new analysis based on Department for Education data.
A House of Commons briefing paper using information from the autumn 2025 school census suggests there are around 690 children being educated at home on the Isle of Wight – equivalent to 4.1% of all school-aged children.
Across England, an estimated 126,000 children aged between 5 and 16 are being educated outside the mainstream school system.
The figures have been highlighted by the National Education Union (NEU), which says the number of children being home educated has risen significantly in recent years.
Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the NEU Isle of Wight, has said:
“Which Local Authorities have the greatest percentage of home educated children? The briefing suggests Blackpool is second highest with 3.1 per cent. The Island has 690 home educated children and the highest percentage at 4.1 per cent.
“These numbers are certainly higher, but only estimated. The paper clearly states: ‘It is not known how many children are home educated in England.’ It can only estimate numbers as registering home-educated children is voluntary.
Article continues below this advertisement “Estimates are likely to underestimate the total number of home-educated children.”
So? Islanders are independent thinkers. Many prefer to educate their children at their own expense. Rather than have them brain washed by the swill teachers are forced to teach them. Good for them.
Admirable sentiments, Cap’n, but you are assuming that all home-educating parents are devoted, dedicated and caring souls. But how many are incompetent, misguided … or just cant be arsed to get the kids ready and off to school? Forgive my cynicism but it is based on experience.
It’s because the majority of schools now are SEN schools, and normal kids are being overlooked because there are too many snowflakes being born these days.
Total rubbish go away get done real facts not ones churned out by the we can be phobic about anything Reform candidates,and go into the schools and find out instead of re bashing fake news!.
Because the local education authority is only interested in pocketing the funds for themselves, not educating our children.
The schools on this Island are substandard and are not anywhere near the level of teaching that is given on the mainland.
The bullying is out of control and not dealt with.
No wonder people take the children out of the school system here.
It needs looking into.
If the person who has the power to do something about this stands up and actually gets their hands dirty something might change but don’t hold your breath this is after all the Isle of Wight we are the poor relations.
It doesn’t surprise me at all, what if the parents
teach them incorrectly, shouldn’t be allowed.
What a shame children today are not benefiting with the maximum education due to funding, declining staff, and resources.
Mr Shreeve has been passionate on education especially on the island and gives so much of his free time with very little reward .But has alot of respect from colleagues, and children alike.Worse so it seems on the island. And although not ALL parents are as passionate and determined to see an education as primary. Children NEED a good start.People like Mr Shrreve and his colleagues give alot of expertise and knowledge to the table.Hes been a educated warrior for children for many years. Good on you sir, awareness to a problem is a start to a solution.