The number of home-educated children in Jersey is increasing, according to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Government data shows that the number of children being taught at home has risen from 57 in the 2020/21 academic year to 84 in 2023/24, marking a nearly 50% increase.
In the UK, a BBC investigation revealed that home education has reached its highest level since the Covid-19 pandemic. A Jersey mother shared that home education allows her to tailor learning to her children’s needs.
Kayleigh, who recently withdrew her two children from primary school, noted an improvement in their behavior. She said her six-year-old son Sampson, who appears to be neurodivergent, was frequently angry at school. Her four-year-old daughter Dahlia struggled with classroom noise levels. Kayleigh criticized the traditional school system for its heavy emphasis on English and math at the expense of creativity. Her children’s education is now split between structured lessons following the school curriculum and child-led activities such as nature walks, bug hunts, and art lessons. She called for more government support, including funding for books and other resources.
In Jersey, parents must register their children with the Department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills (CYPES) before beginning home education. The number of children registered with CYPES increased by 20% from the 2022/23 to the 2023/24 academic year. Education Minister Deputy Rob Ward highlighted the appointment of a contact person for parents during the registration process as a significant step forward. Under Jersey’s education law, children must receive education equivalent to that provided in schools, though they do not have to follow the school curriculum.
Ward also mentioned that the government has established an exam center at Highlands College for home-educated children and covers some of their exam costs. Support for home-educated children with special educational needs is also provided, ensuring a positive relationship with home-educating families to achieve the best outcomes for children.
The government collaborates with the Jersey Association of Home Educators (JAHE), a non-profit organization founded in 2021 to support home-educating families. Anne Laure Jackson, an occupational therapist and home education advocate, has seen changing attitudes towards home education since returning to Jersey in 2012.
Jackson described the shift in perception as “phenomenal,” noting increased understanding from the education department and the community. She credited the pandemic with opening many families’ eyes to the possibilities of home education. “Home education is not anti-school; it’s about finding the best fit for your child,” she said.
