No More School!

As a private tutor I help schooled and homeschooled youngsters alike. However, I do have a lifelong regard and preference for home education. At age 17 I left school scraping a grade E pass in my A level English. Just four months later I took it again self-taught and got C! Another four months and another self-taught entry gave me an A and a university place. ‘Not a genius but he tries,’ said a patronising reference from my former head!

Of course, my studies at age 18 weren’t typical home education but they started me thinking that home could work much better than school.

Decades ago I trained as a teacher and stuck at the job for two or three years, seeing kids dressed like convicts and graded like eggs. I ended up sure that home ed was best (see The Story of Stephen).

A view of school as a place that imposes conformity

I remembered how, at secondary school, a music teacher had sneered at my efforts as a budding composer:

It seemed that working well and making progress weren't enough to quell that man's repressive drive!

When I left classroom teaching I made up my mind to encourage youngsters, not put them down. As a private tutor I have that opportunity, whether I'm enhancing a family's home education or helping with school.

Just a stray thought: poor old Donald Trump went to school but most American presidents didn't.

If you'd like some help or encouragement with school or home ed please feel free to get in touch.

Tony D Triggs

My postbag peaks at this time of year. I always reply but prioritise families in East Anglia.