Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
School’s out: the rise of home education – Part 2 The Q&A Battle of Ideas Festival 2025
#homeschooling
#educationpolicy
#parentalrights
#childrenswellbeing
#battleofideasfestival
The number of children being home schooled is rising rapidly and the government is cracking down. Until now, the law recognised that it is not school, but education that is mandatory, and parents have been trusted to decide on the best options for their own children.
Currently, there are no restrictions on parents taking their children out of, or never sending them to, school. However, this is set to change with the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill and many home-schooling parents argue this amounts to state over-reach.
Should parents have the freedom to educate their children as they wish, without state interference? Will these new measures prevent vulnerable children falling through the cracks and provide vital safeguarding for those most at risk? Who should be responsible for children – their parents or the state?
The speakers on the panel are:
Venice Allan
Campaigner for women and children; research assistant, House of Lords
John Denning
Head of education, The Christian Institute
Joolz Saville-Hippely
Former home educator
The chair is:
Gareth Sturdy
Education and science writer; co-organiser, AoI Education Forum
This video was filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers attending the Battle of Ideas Festival 25. Volunteers filmed over 50 sessions at the festival. To edit, sound clean and prepare these videos for the Academy & WORLDwrite channels, takes at least 2 days each. The charity needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please chip in if you can to help us keep going by visiting the charity's JustGiving page at justgiving.com/charity/worldwrite Or hit the Donate button below the video. Thank you for watching and for your support.
School’s out: the rise of home education – Part 2 The Q&A Battle of Ideas Festival 2025
#homeschooling
#educationpolicy
#parentalrights
#childrenswellbeing
#battleofideasfestival
The number of children being home schooled is rising rapidly and the government is cracking down. Until now, the law recognised that it is not school, but education that is mandatory, and parents have been trusted to decide on the best options for their own children.
Currently, there are no restrictions on parents taking their children out of, or never sending them to, school. However, this is set to change with the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill and many home-schooling parents argue this amounts to state over-reach.
Should parents have the freedom to educate their children as they wish, without state interference? Will these new measures prevent vulnerable children falling through the cracks and provide vital safeguarding for those most at risk? Who should be responsible for children – their parents or the state?
The speakers on the panel are:
Venice Allan
Campaigner for women and children; research assistant, House of Lords
John Denning
Head of education, The Christian Institute
Joolz Saville-Hippely
Former home educator
The chair is:
Gareth Sturdy
Education and science writer; co-organiser, AoI Education Forum
This video was filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers attending the Battle of Ideas Festival 25. Volunteers filmed over 50 sessions at the festival. To edit, sound clean and prepare these videos for the Academy & WORLDwrite channels, takes at least 2 days each. The charity needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please chip in if you can to help us keep going by visiting the charity's JustGiving page at justgiving.com/charity/worldwrite Or hit the Donate button below the video. Thank you for watching and for your support.
