As any aspiring young sports professional will tell you, balancing academics with intensive training and competition schedules presents unique challenges. In the past, teenagers would often face a choice between following their dreams and obtaining a decent education, but fortunately, developments in online learning have made it possible for these athletes to pursue both their academic goals and their passion in sports across various fields, from sailing, athletics, and golf to rugby, tennis, skiing, and ice skating. Online education can offer flexibility for students who frequently travel and compete both globally and domestically and means they don’t need to compromise on academic achievement to make way for sporting success.
Highgrove Online School has a history of supporting academically ambitious athletes, and an understanding of what factors young sportsmen and women should consider when selecting academic programmes which will suit their needs. Our international GCSEs and A-levels, available full-time or part-time, provide a solid academic foundation, even for those with demanding sports schedules. In 2024, our students achieved exceptional results, with 50% of A-levels awarded A*, 75% at A* or A, and 88% at A* to B – proving that high academic standards and athletic success can go hand in hand.
Here are five key factors to consider when choosing an online school that fully supports young athletes in both their academic and athletic pursuits.
- Flexible Learning: Live Lessons or Self-Study?
When selecting an online school, it is essential to understand its learning approach. Some online school programmes will consist of live lessons held in real time, and others will involve independent study through online course materials, normally with some element of teacher marking. Many will offer a combination of the two. Think carefully about what would best suit your circumstances. Courses with heavy schedules of live lessons will provide less flexibility, whereas courses which only involve independent study will require more motivation. If you are considering independent study courses, choose ones with weekly teacher marked homework and the chance to check in with a teacher if you have any questions, and only consider this option if you know you will have the motivation to engage with independent study. If you are looking for a course with live group lessons, you will find that programmes which combine live lessons with self-study materials offer more flexibility. Look for programmes where all live sessions are recorded, allowing students to catch up on missed classes at their convenience.
At Highgrove Online School, we have aspiring sports stars on various programmes. For example, a young professional rugby player has chosen to complete a Chemistry A-level as an independent study option. He works part-time alongside his college commitments, completing course materials independently and attending flexible office hours with his teacher to review any challenging areas. In contrast, another student-athlete has opted to complete a full suite of GCSEs via group classes that involve two live lessons a week and three self study lessons, per subject.
- Teaching Team and Academic Excellence
Some online schools, such as Highgrove Education, specialise in supporting pupils aiming to achieve top academic grades at GCSE and A level and in securing places at leading universities worldwide. Other schools focus on students who may find academic studies more challenging and are proud to help them attain passing grades in their GCSEs. When choosing a school, look for one that aligns with your academic goals and ask to see previous exam results to confirm that the environment will meet your aspirations.
An experienced teaching team is essential in an online school for sportspeople. Highly qualified educators with expertise in supporting young athletes can provide the guidance needed to balance academic responsibilities with sports training. One-to-one support from teachers can significantly enhance a student’s understanding of course material, and any online programme you select should ideally offer this personalised support.
At Highgrove Online School, students can attend flexible office hours sessions with their teachers for one-on-one support, enabling them to manage challenging subjects effectively while building strong teacher-student relationships. This support fosters both academic and athletic development. Students may also choose to learn entirely through one-to-one provision rather than group classes, offering increased flexibility in scheduling and pacing through their courses. Options for full-time or part-time enrolment cater to each pupil’s academic needs and desired subject load at GCSE or A-level. This level of teaching flexibility enables young athletes to excel academically and athletically, ensuring they stay on track without compromising their sports performance.
- Support and Dedicated Learning Coaches
Young sportspeople thrive when they feel fully supported and understood in both their academic and athletic journeys. A learning coach offers this essential layer of personalised guidance, helping students manage their time and set realistic academic goals around training schedules. For parents, choosing an online school with a dedicated support system, including a learning coach, ensures that their child’s education is in sync with their sports commitments.
At our online school, every pupil benefits from one-to-one coaching sessions where they can set short and long-term goals. They can plan effectively around upcoming sports events and receive tailored advice on staying on track academically. The learning coach also serves as a bridge between the student, parents, and teaching team, providing regular updates and feedback to ensure that all are working together in the best interest of the student. This coordinated support system allows young sportspeople to excel in their studies while pursuing their athletic ambitions without compromise.
- Opportunities to Broaden Knowledge
A fourth key factor to consider is how an online school can support an athlete’s interests beyond the core curriculum. Elective courses tailored to athletes, such as Sports Psychology and Nutrition, offer valuable insights into factors that impact performance in sport. Additionally, the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) allows students to conduct in-depth research on topics related to their sport, adding UCAS points and enhancing personal statements for UK university applications. The EPQ is a particularly flexible qualification, as it only requires one study session per week, and project work can be tailored to the interests of the pupil.
One of our most popular electives is Introduction to Investment, which provides students with a foundational understanding of finance – an essential skill for life beyond sports. These elective options allow young athletes to pursue diverse interests, develop well-rounded knowledge, and add value to their academic and personal development.
- Community, Connection, and Motivation
A supportive community is essential for athletes who often juggle many demands. An online school that fosters connection and community can help athletes feel engaged and supported, even when studying independently. Many schools offer clubs, peer support, and elective courses, which allow athletes to form connections with like-minded students. Opportunities for community and teamwork in a flexible environment motivate young athletes to stay engaged, offering balance alongside their demanding sports schedules.
Lily Bakhtiari’s Journey
Summary
Choosing the right online school can be transformative for young sportspeople, enabling them to pursue academic excellence without compromising their athletic ambitions. The right programme balances flexible learning options, a top-tier teaching team, personalised support, and a variety of enrichment opportunities tailored to the needs of athletes.
At Highgrove Online School, we support young athletes with flexible scheduling, one-to-one teacher support, and a curriculum designed to enhance their academic, personal, and athletic growth. By selecting a school that values both academic achievement and athletic development, young sportspeople can truly excel in both arenas, staying prepared for future educational and career opportunities while pursuing their sporting talents.
