While still not an incredibly popular choice, the numbers of students in Ireland being taught from the home has increased by 56% since 2011.

 

It was revealed that 1,090 children are now being educated from the home according to figures obtained by The Independent.

 

That’s in comparison to 699 children in 2011.

 

There is not one general answer as to why parents are choosing this method of education but it is clear that the popularity is growing.

 

Some parents are of the belief that as the main educators of their children they are the best choice to meet their children's educational needs rather than the “institutional” approach.

 

 

Experts have also said that some parents turn to home education due to problems with schools that cannot be resolved to meet their needs.

 

Religious beliefs are also another reason for home schooling as some parents worry traditional schooling will not match nor focus enough on the beliefs they want their child to be taught.

 

The breakdown of this number is in favour of boys as 605 home schooled students are male with 485 female.

 

And Cork leads the way with 167 children registered as being home schooled.

 

Followed by Dublin which has 157 students and Galway and Wexford which both have 62 students learning from the home.

 

 

Eibhlin Byrne of Tusla, the child and family agency, pointed out to The Independent some interesting finds in this research.

 

"It should also be noted that 13% are children with special needs - whose parents feel their specific requirements would not be met in a school setting," she said.

 

A common misconception is that children are often home schooled due to social issues like bullying.

 

However Eibhlin says that this is “not a significant issue”.

 

With growing numbers in our major cities, home education is becoming more popular due to what Eibhlin says to be an increasing network of like-minded parents in nearby areas.

 

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