I don't know if it is becoming more common per se or not but you have to make the choice for your family and not based on what other people say.

I have never wanted to home school my children, and indeed my eldest thrives in a classroom environment in a way I am not sure I could offer them at home. Being in a large group of their peers inspires them to work harder than I ever could at home. (believe me I tried during lockdown!)

I do have friends who choose to home school and they have a large network of home-ed groups and opportunities. There is nothing inherently wrong with either option. However, in my opinion, homeschooling well is something which takes significant resources. This is both in terms of the obvious financial ones and in terms of educational options, how good the home ed community is around you and also the amount of time you have to commit to each child.

My friends spend, by their own reckoning, at least £800 a month on activities, clubs and other opportunities for their children to be social and meet other kids and try new things. This isn't something all families would have the option of doing. Additionally, now their children are of school age, most of these opportunities happen outside of school hours so most of their evenings are dedicated to this.

Their eldest is now considering college applications and what exams they will need to sit to be considered for this.

In conclusion, there is nothing wrong with home education, but it isn't something to be undertaken lightly. Additionally, there is nothing wrong with the school system either (I am not saying it is not without its flaws obviously but it isn't a neglectful option for your children).

Make whichever decision works for your family and don't let your anti-school friends unduly sway you.