Online schools have become an increasingly popular choice for families looking for an alternative to support or replace traditional education. There are a whole host of reasons that families opt for online schooling, with some pull factors such as the increased flexibility in the location and time of studies and the higher focus on independent learning, and some push factors such as dissatisfaction with local school options or provision for special educational needs. Growing numbers of families are finding online schools offer an adaptable solution for a diverse range of students, either for their core studies such as GCSE and A level programmes, or for extra-curricular options such as elective courses on AI or sports psychology, or standalone courses such as the EPQ. However, there are vast differences between different online schools, and given that very few parents will have attended an online school themselves, it can be hard to know what to look for when selecting a school that will be a good fit. This guide aims to help parents and students navigate the growing field of online education by providing essential questions to consider when selecting an online school.
Key Considerations When Choosing an Online School
Leadership and Vision
Different schools will have different aims, and it is important to find a school which aligns with your needs. For example, Highgrove Education specialises in providing an education that offers stretch and challenge to academically minded pupils, while GAIA Learning supports pupils with special educational needs until they are ready to return to a mainstream school. Speak with the school’s leadership team, including the Head and admissions staff to understand their vision and purpose for the online school. What are their goals for their students? How do they plan to support pupils in achieving their academic and personal potential?
Reputation and Outcomes
Investigate the school’s academic performance. What are their average GCSE or A Level grades? Do they have a value-added score? Do leavers typically progress to university, and if so, which ones? Comprehensive careers advice is essential for guiding students through their next steps. What support is available for careers coaching and university application, and does this come at an additional cost?
Curriculum
Look for a school with a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum that aligns with your child’s learning goals. Review the subjects and topics offered and understand how they are taught. A mixture of independent studies with small group lessons tends to work well online. Check out the opportunities for enrichment and academic extension. Are there options that appeal to your child?
Teacher Qualifications
Ensure that teachers are experienced and qualified teachers. Online schools may not require qualified teacher status (QTS), so it’s important to verify the credentials and expertise of those who will be teaching your child. Some schools employ unqualified tutors rather than teachers, and others rely on non-specialists to teach subjects through to GCSE or A level. Ask whether your child’s teachers hold teaching qualifications and a degree in the subject they are teaching.
Student Support
Look for robust support services, including tutoring, mentoring, coaching, and counselling. Consider how the school supports diverse learning needs, such as English as a Second Language (ESL) support or guidance for students with thinking or learning differences. Check there is a safeguarding lead and a SEND specialist on the staff team. Schools with strong pastoral support structures often demonstrate high academic outcomes.
Flexibility
Flexibility is one of the major advantages of online schooling. Schools that offer a mixture of independent study and live lessons tend to have fewer fixed commitments per week. Ask about timetabling; are you able to specify a preference for morning or afternoon lessons, for example? Is there additional one-to-one support available for your child, and if so, does it come at an additional cost?
Community and Belonging
Online schools can foster vibrant, supportive communities. Look for opportunities for students and parents to engage and form connections, such as a house system or online clubs and societies. Explore whether the school offers opportunities for students to meet up in real life, and what social events and trips or excursions they run. Check the school’s presence on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to gauge community engagement and diversity.
Summary
Choosing an online school is a significant decision. This sector is growing rapidly, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. When selecting an online school, weigh the benefits and challenges carefully. As well as speaking to the admissions team, ask to sit in on a lesson or speak to teachers and current students who will be able to give you a feel for what it’s like to study there. Above all, ensure the school you choose aligns with your child’s individual needs and educational goals.
Key Vocabulary to Know
- Virtual Learning: Learning that takes place through digital platforms, either synchronously (live) or asynchronously (pre-recorded), often accessed through an LMS (Learning Management System).
- Synchronous Learning: Real-time learning sessions where students and teachers interact live, often through video conferencing tools.
- Asynchronous Learning: Lessons and materials that students can access at any time, allowing for self-paced study.
- Flipped Classroom: An instructional approach where students review content independently before class, allowing in-class time for discussion and application.
- Full-time Online Schooling: Online education that replaces traditional schooling entirely, often offering a complete curriculum and school experience.
- Part-time Online Schooling: Online education that supplements traditional schooling, often focusing on specific subjects or additional qualifications like the EPQ.
- Learning Management System (LMS): A digital platform that organizes and delivers educational content, tracks student progress, and facilitates communication between teachers and students.
- Electives: Optional courses or subjects offered beyond the core curriculum, allowing students to explore additional interests and skills.
- Value-Added Score: A measure of the progress students make, often used to assess the effectiveness of schools in improving student outcomes beyond expected levels.
- Pastoral Support: Non-academic support provided by schools, including mentoring, counselling, and well-being services, to help students thrive personally and academically.
- QTS (Qualified Teacher Status): A qualification in the UK that teachers in state schools must have, though not always required in online schools.
- Hybrid Learning: A blend of online and in-person education, allowing students to split their time between home-based learning and attending a physical school.
- English as a Second Language (ESL): Support services for students whose first language is not English, helping them achieve academic success in an English-speaking environment.
- UCAS Points: A system used in the UK to measure qualifications and help students gain entry into higher education institutions.
