The number of children in elective home education in England rose to 111,700 in the autumn term of 2024, according to the latest Department for Education data. This marks a 21% increase from an estimated 92,000 the previous year. Across the full 2023/24 academic year, a total of 153,300 children were home educated at some point.
The Department for Education said the rise reflects changing family choices around education, including flexibility, mental health considerations, and increased use of digital learning tools. It also noted that data collection has improved, with local authorities required to submit more comprehensive records from autumn 2024, contributing to higher reported numbers. Despite this, the overall upward trend remains evident.
Regional variation across England
Rates of elective home education vary widely by local authority. Coastal and southern areas record some of the highest levels, while several London boroughs report the lowest participation.
Highest rates of elective home education by local authority in 2024
- Isle of Wight: 3.70%
- Cornwall: 2.80%
- Blackpool: 2.60%
- Torbay: 2.60%
- East Sussex: 2.40%
- Somerset: 2.40%
- Devon: 2.30%
- Darlington: 2.20%
- Southend on Sea: 2.10%
- Medway: 2.10%
By contrast, uptake is significantly lower in parts of London and other urban areas.
Lowest rates of elective home education by local authority in 2024
- Wandsworth: less than 0.50%
- Richmond upon Thames: 0.60%
- Redbridge: 0.60%
- Lambeth: 0.60%
- Rutland: 0.60%
- Trafford: 0.60%
- Merton: 0.70%
- Barnet: 0.70%
- Kensington and Chelsea: 0.70%
- North Tyneside: 0.80%
The figures suggest that home education is more prevalent in certain southern and coastal communities, while densely populated urban centres show lower rates.
Digital platforms driving home learning
Online learning tools play a central role in home education, with families increasingly relying on structured and interactive digital resources. Search data over the past year highlights strong demand for several platforms.
Most searched online learning platforms in England from November 2024 to October 2025
- Kahoot: 14,640,000 searches
- Twinkl: 8,076,000 searches
- BBC Bitesize: 5,400,000 searches
- Duolingo: 3,612,000 searches
- Blooket: 888,000 searches
Kahoot remains the most searched platform, using quizzes to support interactive learning. Twinkl provides downloadable teaching resources, while BBC Bitesize offers curriculum aligned lessons and revision materials.
Broadband demand and expert advice
The growth of home education has increased demand for reliable internet access. Uswitch broadband experts say stable connectivity is essential for uninterrupted online learning.
Max Beckett, a broadband specialist at Uswitch, advises families to plan carefully when setting up home learning environments. His recommendations include:
- Structuring learning with regular hours, breaks, and a mix of interactive platforms, worksheets, and video content
- Ensuring laptops and tablets are up to date and used in a distraction free space
- Prioritising reliable broadband, including full fibre where available, to support live lessons and streaming
- Managing online safety through parental controls, restrictions, and open discussions about safe internet use
The continued rise in elective home education highlights shifting educational preferences among families, with digital tools and dependable broadband now playing a central role in supporting learning outside traditional classrooms.
