The Home Service

Canadian study confirms American research

roger — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:47:19 +0000

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A comparative study of adults, who had been home educated, draws the same conclusions as those found in the USA by Dr Brian Ray of the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI).
Patrick B. Craine on the LifeSiteNews.com website reports.

A new study released yesterday by the Canadian Centre for Home Education (CCHE) reveals that home-educated adults in Canada excel in all measured areas of adult life, including education level, religious observance, civic and community participation, life satisfaction, and income.

The study, entitled Fifteen Years Later: Home-Educated Canadian Adults, surveyed adults whose parents had responded to a 1994 study on home education. In total, the researchers collected 226 questionnaires. Ranging in age from 15 to 34, the respondents answered questions on a variety of topics for which Statistics Canada has comparable data from the wider population.

The results were astounding, says CCHE.

The study found that, when measured against the Canadian average, home-educated adults were more socially engaged and almost twice as likely to have voted in a federal election. Their average income was higher, with more self-reliant sources of income, such as investments and self-employment. In fact, of all respondents, there were no cases of government support as the primary source of income.

The respondents were happier in their work and about their lives in general. They also have more varied recreational pursuits. The study notes, for example, that the respondents “were much more likely than the comparable population to have read books and attended concerts of classical music or theatrical performances.” Overall, when reflecting on the value of being home-educated, most felt that it was an advantage in their adult life.

“In terms of income, education, entrepreneurial endeavours, involvement in their community, and all the other characteristics measured, home-educated adults not only excel, but also make meaningful contributions to their communities,” stated Paul Faris, president of CCHE. “They are the type of neighbours we all want.”

MPs criticise Badman Report.

roger — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:14:38 +0000

During September and October, Home Service and many of its members as well as many from other home education groups made submissions to the Parliamentary Select Committee for Education. Now following two months of careful deliberation, the committee has severely criticised the Badman Report and its handling of data and has rejected many of its major recommendations.

Mass lobby of Parliament

steve — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:15:05 +0000

As part of our on-going campaign against the worst aspects of the Badman Report, Home Service was pleased to support the mass lobby of Parliament that took place on Tuesday 13th October. Roger Slack officially represented Home Service at the mass lobby and we are grateful to various Home Service members who were able to attend as well.

Making the Right Impression

admin — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:25:51 +0000

Making the Right Impression, the experiences of 21 British Christian home educating families, is still available at £7.00. Dr Brian Ray, President of the National Home Education Research Institute writing about the book, said, “It will move, encourage, empower, challenge, and bolster you. … The richness in variety of these home-educating families and their stories reflects the creativity of God and the liberty that His children have in learning and living for Him.” Copies can be obtained from the Home Service.

If you are a Home Service member and wish to purchase three copies for £10, click the following button -

Primary Schools Criticised

admin — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 09:56:30 +0000

Two reports today severely criticise the government’s primary school strategy. Cambridge-based Primary Review have today described English primary school children as amongst the most tested in the western world. It described the English system as being ‘pre-occupied with national standards and accountability. An NFER report challenges the notion that children should start school at the age of four, suggesting that this leads to stressed young children.

Fingerprinting Children

admin — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 09:59:53 +0000

According to Nick Clegg, LibDem leader, 5000 schools now routinely fingerprint children.

News for Home Educators

admin — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:01:46 +0000

In a move that may lead to increased difficulties for home educators, the government has today announced a new strategy encouraging people to report to authorities children that they feel are at risk.

Brighton School Place Lottery

admin — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 10:03:44 +0000

Over the next few weeks, families in the Brighton area will discover whether or not they have won first prize in the Brighton’s school place lottery. In the first scheme of its kind, secondary school places for over-subscribed schools are to be allocated at random.

Secondary schools continue to fail white working class boys!

admin — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 10:12:36 +0000

According to figures published today, 85% of boys from white working class backgrounds failed to obtain five or more GCSE grades at C or above (including English and maths).

Government Approves Independent Inspectorate

admin — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 10:09:06 +0000

The government has approved the setting up of a new independent inspectorate. The Bridge will provide inspection services for 110 schools which are members of the Christian Schools Trust or the Association of Muslim Schools. Home Service’s Ruth Slack is a member of the Bridge’s inspection team.