The number of students in home education has continued to rise.  

About 11,000 students are in home education as of November 2023, compared to more than 6,000 in 2018.  

The Education Ministry's noted a decline in the number of applications since the peak in November 2021, but this is still higher than pre-pandemic levels.  

National Council of Home Educators government liaison Cynthia Hancox says there's many reasons parents opt for this, including concerns with the education system.  

She says that includes a desire for a closer family unit, wanting a higher quality more tailored learning programme, and to avoid bullying or peer pressure. 

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