They have never gone/been to school

[joham]

As a matter of fact, they have never gone/been to school. Since kindergarten, they have received education at home.

The given answer is 'been'. But can we also use 'gone' here?

Thank you in advance.

 

[joham]

I found in the New York Times that since 1851 there are 460 results of 'never been to school' while there are 55 results of 'never gone to school'. Is 'never gone to school' regarded as correct English by native speakers?

Thank you in advance.

 

[5jj]

Both are acceptable, but 'been' is more common. COCA as 17 citations for 'been' and 6 for 'gone'.