HUNDREDS of Bradford children were educated at home in the last academic year, figures show.

Department for Education statistics show around 740 children were voluntarily taught at home in Bradford in the 2022-2023 summer term.

Across the country, around 97,600 children were home-schooled.

Separate figures from the Office of the Schools Adjudicator suggest there were 60,500 in March 2019.

But it appears Covid is not behind the rise - the largest reason for children being withdrawn from schools was for philosophical reasons, of which 15,800 parents had chosen to do so.

Meanwhile, many parents chose to educate their children at home for their mental health - 12,200 across England.

Olly Parker, head of external affairs at children's charity Young Minds, said schools "can and should be supportive environments for young people".

However, he warned "anxiety, bullying, academic pressure, difficult relationships and a lack of support" can lead to some children avoiding school.

Mr Parker added: "Young people should be able to access support for their mental health when they need it, including in schools.

"Currently, mental health support in schools is a postcode lottery and the Government must commit to ensuring young people can access support in every school in the country."