New figures, obtained by The Evening Telegraph under the Freedom of Information Act, show a staggering 1,616 per cent increase, from six children being home tutored in 1998 to 103 in 2008.

Sarah Lambert, who has been home tutoring her three sons, Ben (11), Alex (14) and Chris (17) for the past 10 years, said she has never had a second thought about not sending them to school.

The family began home tutoring at their home in Grafton Avenue, Netherton, Peterborough, after realising Chris was not happy or thriving at school.

Mrs Lambert said: "In my time at school, children enjoyed learning and did it in a fun way. they were not subjected to the tests that go on in schools today.

"Nowadays, children learn to be failures quite early on because of these tests, when, in fact, it might be that the children are slow learners or have a slight learning difficulty."

Although Chris, who is now applying to go to university, went to school for two years, neither Ben nor Alex have ever been, or have shown signs of wanting to go.

At home, the trio are taught a range of subjects, including English, maths, science, history, art and geography, but instead of just reading from textbooks, Mrs Lambert uses play, everyday activities, and visiting places of interest to educate her children.

She said: "Home tutoring allows children to develop freely in the subjects they enjoy.

"They get to have more of a say on what they are being taught, which also makes them become more enthusiastic about their learning.

"A lot of parents I know who have opted for home tutoring because their child is unhappy at school.

"Other reasons are that their child has a minor learning difficulty, such as dyslexia or minor asperger's, and feel they can give their children a better education at home."

However, cabinet member for education and children's services and deputy leader of the city council Stephen Goldspink said the figures, although of interest, were not a cause for concern, or a reflection on the teaching or standards in Peterborough's schools.

He said: "The education system does allow parents the choice of whether they send their children to state schools, private schools or choose home tutoring.

"Whatever they choose, the city council will aim to provide the highest standard of education it can.

"In Peterborough, most parents choose our schools and I am not sure why parents make other choices.

"It may be that they feel they can do a better job, or because it suits their lifestyle, or it is just a personal belief.

How more parents have opted out
Pupils receiving Elective Home Education (EHE) during the academic years:

• 1998/99 - 6


• 1999/00 - 13


• 2000/01 - 14


• 2001/02 - 22


• 2002/03 - 58


• 2003/04 - 61


• 2004/05 - 70


• 2005/06 - 93


• 2006/07 - 96


• 2007/08 103