Seven in 10 parents feel the traditional school system is not allowing children to flourish.
A poll of 1,000 mums and dads with kids aged 11 to 16 found 62 per cent are concerned their child's time at secondary school may even have a detrimental impact on their future.
Almost three quarters (73 per cent) think classrooms are overcrowded and 77 per cent think lessons rely too much on sitting still, listening, writing and working to pace - which doesn't suit all students.
While 49 per cent argue there is too much emphasis on grades and exams, with 31 per cent of parents frustrated by them because they focus on memorisation over critical thinking.
Almost three in 10 (28 per cent) believe they induce high levels of stress and 24 per cent think they don't reflect real-world skills.
The research was commissioned by Hatfield Wick Education [https://www.hatfieldwickeducation.co.uk/], which is opening its Whiteland’s campus in Essex this September, subject to Department for Education approval.
Adam Smyth, founder for the provider of specialised education and support for children with diverse neurodivergent needs, said: "While we are in no way ‘bashing’ mainstream education, what this research has highlighted is an increasing need for a more flexible approach to support students.
"Many students need a calmer, more supportive approach to education than what the traditional secondary school system supplies.
"The current school system is often ill-equipped to provide foundational emotional safety for such pupils.
"Hatfield Wick aims to provide students with more complex needs a purpose-built environment that seamlessly integrates therapeutic provision into the academic day."
The study found 77 per cent of parents believe traditional secondary schools are designed around a narrow idea of a ‘typical’ learner.
While 65 per cent think they don’t consider children with neurodivergent traits and additional learning needs.
Of those polled, 71 per cent think schools should focus more on practical life skills, in addition to social development (54 per cent) and mental wellbeing (52 per cent).
Half of parents also feel there should be more emphasis on creativity over academic subjects in lessons.
Altogether, 56 per cent are worried there’s a danger of their child not being successful in school and later in life because secondary schools cater too much for the ‘average child.’
More than three in 10 (31 per cent) also fear they don’t support their child’s specific needs.
The research, carried out via OnePoll.com, found 31 per cent have considered an alternative to mainstream schooling.
These include home schooling (59 per cent), alternative schools (38 per cent) and specialist education provision (34 per cent).
Adam Smyth, for Hatfield Wick Education, added: “Education is too structured about learning from the head up - we want to empower both students and parents who are having to find their way in the dark.
"We want kids to have ownership over what they want to achieve in life and help them work towards that."
