I find it both interesting and encouraging to read research relating to home education. Statistically, children who are home educated perform well both academically and socially; have high rates of acceptance into and success at further and higher education; and almost universally go on to become productive members of society. It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly which aspect of home education is responsible for this; critics would argue that any child who has interested and involved parents will have similar outcomes. I don't think the precise breakdown of causation is important, but rather that we should be encouraged that home education as a lifestyle is scientifically proven to be of benefit in many realms of life.
Additionally, a personal comment relates to how 'success ' is defined. What is the most important goal for our children? Is it simply to achieve well academically, socially, in extra-curricular activites, and eventually in the workplace? I would argue that a far greater achievement would be for my children to grow up secure in their relationship with God, knowing that they are working towards a far more glorious eternal destiny.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18: 'For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things that are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.'
Notwithstanding this important caveat, I would like to share this link to the National (USA that is, so findings may not be 100% generalisable to a UK population) Home Education Research Institute:
http://nheri.org/
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