Blackpool home-schooling numbers rise to 768 pupils

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 15:38 · Archive

Home-schooling in Blackpool has increased from 604 pupils in June 2024 to 768 by July 2025, Blackpool Council reports.

The number of home-schooled children in Blackpool has increased significantly over recent years, new figures show. According to Blackpool Council, the number of children being electively home educated rose from 604 in June 2024 to 768 by July 2025. The council said it was 'monitoring' the changes, which it acknowledged presented risks to children's education.

Blackpool Council highlighted that children becoming 'less visible' to the local authority was one of the main concerns. The council, like other local authorities, has a duty to ensure that children who are not in school are being properly educated elsewhere.

The primary reasons given for families choosing to home-school were lifestyle choices, followed by mental health issues. However, the council noted that home-schooling is not necessarily a permanent pathway: in 2022, 93 children returned to formal education. A council report stated: 'This demonstrates that EHE is not necessarily a permanent educational pathway and that increasing numbers of children are re-engaging with formal education.'

How it is being reported

• Continuing rise in home-schooling being 'monitored'Blackpool Council is still seeing a rise in the number of pupils who are not attending its schools.BBC Lancashire · 21 Oct, 15:08
• Blackpool Council monitoring risks to children's education as number of home-schooled kids continues to rise“The number of children recorded as Electively Home Educated has increased significantly over recent years. “Blackpool Gazette · 21 Oct, 06:01

In this story: Blackpool Council · Blackpool

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