One of the obsessions of those who would regulate home educators, especially those families who follow a more autonomous route, is that of breadth.

“But how will you ensure that your child receives a broad education?” they ask, as though there is no debate to be had about whether mandatory breadth in education does more to appease do-gooders than to add value to an individual’s learning.

Well, this research might prove useful to those who are preparing to enter into such a debate. It is also pertinent to those who believe that the use of textbooks tends not to be the best way for learners to develop their own knowledge.

My personal view is that if you are allowed to plumb the depths of any area in which you have a profound interest, you will invariably begin to discover and explore links to all manner of subjects and disciplines.

Nothing is a greater enabler of real learning than intrinsic motivation, and real learning takes people much further in life than any externally prescribed package of education.