Home schooling for 11-16 year olds increases

The number of secondary school aged children being educated at home has increased, States of Guernsey figures show.

They recorded 20 children in years 7-11 being home educated in 2020 and that the number has now risen to 36 children.

The latest figures reflect similar trends seen in Jersey and across the UK.

A new BBC investigation found mental health was the biggest reason for the rise in the UK.

Jessica Girard, who teaches her primary school aged children at home and plans to continue for their secondary education, said she first encountered a home schooling when she was travelling seven years ago.

She said: "We hadn't seen it before and thought it looked like a great option, that it was flexible and creative."

Mrs Girard said some people had got a taste for home educating during the pandemic, and were now opting for it as a "lifestyle choice".

She said: "You have people like myself who have decided to home educate early on because it aligns with our education values and lifestyle choices.

"But also you get people who move over to home school education for reasons such as school not working for their children."

Mrs Girard said: "One might be more challenging than the other, but for me it has been a very gentle transition.

"Your children are home during those pre-school years so they just continue to be at home with you."

On whether Jessica would eventually put her children into the mainstream education system, she said: "Yes, we have thought about that.

"But, our goal is very much to see them right through their education.

"My eldest would technically be going to high school in September, but she will continue to be home educated and study for her GCSEs at home."

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