The latest figures from Lancashire County Council show that around 3,600 children are currently known to be electively educated at home in Lancashire (up 300% in the last ten years) and a further 3,805 children are classed as missing compulsory education – a number that has double over the same ten-year period. These figures are above the national average and are highest in Preston followed by Hyndburn, Burnley then Pendle.
Figures published by the Department for Education (DfE) show that nationally, one in six (16%) cited mental health as the main reason for elected home education, while 12% were home educated for “philosophical or preferential” reasons.
The data also highlights the scale of additional needs among home-educated pupils. One in six (16%) required special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, while 7% had an education, health and care plan (EHCP).
With home education continuing to grow across the country as well as the county, the Lancashire arts and culture sector has a big role to play in helping to meet this rising demand.
Some of Lancashire’s arts organisations have already developed offers specifically for those children and families who are outside of the school system.
As an example, Lowther Pavilion Theatre in Lytham provides a dedicated Home School cultural education programme for children and young people age 4 – 18 across Lancashire and provides an inclusive cultural space where young learners can explore the performing arts, build confidence, and connect with others through shared creative experiences.
Through workshops, theatre-based learning, and opportunities to take part in live performance activities, the programme supports families who choose home education by offering high-quality arts experiences outside the traditional classroom. Sessions encourage creativity, collaboration, and self-expression while giving children access to professional theatre facilities and artists. By opening its doors to the home-educating community, Lowther Pavilion Theatre plays an important role in supporting alternative education pathways and enriching the cultural lives of young people across Lancashire.
Contact: Education Officer/Youth Theatre Director: Kerry Tuhill
Email: youththeatre@lowtherpavilion.co.uk
Call: 01253 794221 (option 5)
If your organisation is offering a creative or cultural programme for Lancashire-based home educated pupils and students, please get in touch with us so that we can map your activity on our databases.