Prime Highlights:
- The number of children being home educated in Guernsey has risen steadily in recent years, reaching 125 at the end of 2024–25.
- Parents are choosing flexible learning options that meet their children’s individual needs, supported by strong home education communities.
Key Facts:
- Home education numbers: 70 in 2022–23, 98 in 2023–24, and 125 in 2024–25, slightly dropping to 118 by January 2026.
- Parents in Guernsey are legally responsible for ensuring their children are educated, either at school or at home.
Background:
The number of children being home educated in Guernsey has risen steadily over the past few years, according to government data.
A recent Freedom of Information request revealed that 125 children were known to be home educated at the end of the 2024–25 academic year. By 16 January 2026, this number slightly to 118. In comparison, 70 children were home educated at the end of 2022–23, and 98 at the end of 2023–24.
Dave Stumpf, head of inclusion and education services, said the Covid lockdowns acted as a “catalyst” for many families to explore home education. “In Guernsey, as in other places like England, we have seen a steady increase over the past five years,” he said.
Parents like Victoria, who home educates her three primary-aged daughters, say schooling has become “a lot more flexible now than ever.” She added that workplaces and families are increasingly aware of the diverse needs of children.
Victoria joins a group of parents who teach some classes together, showing the strong support among home educators. In Guernsey, parents are legally responsible for making sure their children are educated, at school or at home. If a child is already enrolled in a school, parents must notify Education Services before withdrawing their child. For children not yet enrolled, authorities still advise registration.
Stumpf emphasized that parents do not need to follow national or local curricula. “They can decide how to deliver education, as long as it is suitable and allows the child to learn and make progress according to their age and ability,” he said.
The government’s role is to balance the rights of children with the rights of parents. More families in Guernsey are choosing home education, showing a trend toward flexible learning that meets each child’s needs.
