My wife is a recently-retired primary school teacher. Most of the problems seem to be at the secondary level, but are steadily trickling down to the lower age groups too.

As with most "systems", there are obviously wide variations in people's experience from place to place - you obviously have had experience of one of the better examples of practice.

When I worked in Chesterfield in the 90s, home education seemed to be quite a popular choice. The fears about kids not being well-socialised didn't seem to be realised amongst the families I encountered who were taking that option (which, as you say, isn't for everyone).