Getting an education in the home

SCHOOL is not compulsory, education is.

This is the legal situation in the UK regarding home education and, in Northamptonshire, the numbers shunning state education system are increasing, whether it's due to bullying, disillusioned parents or following a particular faith.

Over the past two years, the number of children being educated outside school and registered with Northamptonshire County Council, the local education authority (LEA), has doubled to 279.

The statistics are based on the numbers of ex-schoolchildren registered with the LEA, and it is believed there are many more who are not known to the council.

Despite its growing popularity, home education is still a little-known area for parents and is frequently misunderstood.