What's happened
The number of children in home education in the UK surged to over 66,000 in 2023-2024, raising concerns about educational support. Concurrently, teacher absences due to mental health issues in Scotland have increased by 74% since 2018, highlighting a growing crisis in the education sector.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to BBC News, the rise in home education is alarming, with Dame Rachel de Souza expressing concern that many families are forced into this situation due to inadequate school support. She noted, "I think it’s shocking to see how many children have been home educated because I know so many of them are not doing it because they want to."
In contrast, The Scotsman highlights the mental health crisis among teachers, revealing that over 1.3 million school days have been lost to mental health issues since 2018. Lib Dem MSP Willie Rennie stated, "These troubling figures show the mounting toll that mental health absences among teachers and staff are taking across our schools and nurseries."
Both sources underscore the urgent need for systemic changes in the education sector to address these intertwined crises.
How we got here
The rise in home education follows a significant increase during the pandemic, with many families citing inadequate support in schools. Meanwhile, teacher mental health has deteriorated, with rising violence in classrooms contributing to increased absences.
Common question
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Why is Home Education Increasing in the UK?
The rise of home education in the UK has become a significant topic of discussion, especially as the number of home-educated children surged to over 66,000 in 2023-2024. This trend raises important questions about the reasons behind this shift, the challenges families face, and the implications for the education system as a whole.
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What is Causing the Rise in Teacher Absences Due to Mental Health?
The education sector is facing a dual crisis: a significant rise in teacher absences linked to mental health issues and an alarming increase in home education. Understanding the reasons behind these trends is crucial for addressing the challenges faced by educators and students alike. Below, we explore common questions surrounding this pressing issue.
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Is Home Schooling Better Than Traditional Schools?
With the rise of home education in the UK, many parents are questioning whether home schooling is a better option than traditional schooling. As over 66,000 children are now being home educated, it's essential to explore the pros and cons of this trend, its impact on traditional schools, and the educational outcomes for children. Here are some common questions and answers to help you understand this growing phenomenon.
More on these topics
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Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a 96 mile border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and w
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The Scottish Government is the devolved government of Scotland.
The government is led by the First Minister, who selects the Cabinet Secretaries, who attend Cabinet, and Ministers with the approval of Parliament.