Homeschooling as at 1 July 2012

As at 1 July 2012 there were 6,568 home schooled students recorded on the Ministry of Education’s homeschooling database, which represents 0.9% of total school enrolments as at 1 July 2012. These students belonged to 3,534 families.

Homeschooling 1998-2012

In 1998 there was a total of 5,274 homeschoolers; in 2012 there were 6,568 - an increase of 25.2%.  Between 1 July 2011 and 1 July 2012 the number of homeschoolers increased by 51 students - a 0.8% increase.

Figure 1: Number of Homeschooling Students 1998-2012

Homeschoolers by Region

The majority of homeschoolers (73 %) reside in the North Island with 23 % in Auckland alone. Tasman, Nelson, and West Coast regions had the highest proportions of homeschoolers compared to the total school populations in those regions. Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, and  Otago had the lowest proportions of homeschoolers in relation to their total school populations (See Figure 2).

Figure 2: Percentage of Homeschoolers by Region at 1 July 2012

Ethnicity of Homeschoolers

Almost all (98%) of homeschoolers reported their ethnicity. Of these 81% identified as European/Pākehā, 10% identified as Māori, 2% identified as Pasifika and 2% identified as Asian. There is a smaller proportion of Māori, Pasifika, and Asian in the Homeschooling population than those attending schools (See Figure 3).

Figure 3: Comparison of School Students and Homeschoolers by Ethnic Group at 1 July 2012

Number of Students Commencing Homeschooling

Between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2012, 1,163 students commenced homeschooling – an increase of 4.9% compared with the number starting during the previous year. Of those starting in the 12 months ending 30 June 2012, 41% were aged six years old and 84% were aged within the primary school age range (5-12 years old).

Figure 4: Number of Homeschoolers Commencing between July 2011 and July 2012 by Age

Number of Students Finishing Homeschooling

Between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2012, 1,112 students finished homeschooling. Of these, 633 students (57%) finished in less than 5 years of starting, with 14% finishing in less than a year of starting. 15% had been homeschooled for 10 or more years (See Figure 5).

Figure 5: Duration of Homeschoolers Finishing between July 2011 and July 2012