kate gainsford

The number of students leaving home schooling increased last year.  

Education Ministry figures show 2,286 children exited home education, the highest number on record. 

More than half those leaving had been learning from home for less than a year.  

Total home school numbers remain well above pre-pandemic levels.  

Secondary Principals' Council Chair Kate Gainsford told Mike Hosking that there are many factors why people are going back to mainstream. 

She says it could be that the realities, demands, and responsibilities of providing education at home are becoming real. 

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Concerns are being raised about the price of school uniforms, with some parents saying they go without food so they can afford them.  

Secondary school uniforms can cost hundreds of dollars.  

Secondary Principals' Council chair Kate Gainsford told Tim Dower that as the cost of producing a uniform rises, this will likely become more of an issue.  

She says while the fact they're used every day can make it financially better, there's the up-front cost, particularly if there's multiple children. 

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