Whether you decide to study full-time or part-time will be down to several reasons, including your schedule, subjects you would like to study, whether you are already enrolled in another school, your goals and how you plan to achieve them, and how you learn best. It’s also important to remember that there is flexibility for change throughout your studies, as you can either remove or add subjects to your learning plan if you decide to do so later.
The flexibility of online school offers a more personalised schedule, which is often better for families who travel, have health issues, or are looking for a different structure to accommodate their child’s needs. Choosing between part-time and full-time learning can be a difficult choice, so we will explore the differences between the options and what to consider below.
What Do “Full-Time” and “Part-Time” Learning Mean Online?
Full-time learning generally means following a comprehensive curriculum, maintaining a workload comparable to a traditional full-time school, usually including the core subjects (English, maths, and science). Our online school typically classes students who study 8 or more subjects as full-time. Full-time students also have to study some required classes to ensure they are provided with a broad and creative curriculum that prepares them for their futures. Required subjects include PSHE (2 hours per week), alongside Art and PE or Music and PE (1 hour per week).
Whereas, part-time learning usually means taking fewer subjects, perhaps supplementing another form of schooling or working around busy schedules. This learning approach provides more flexibility around things such as sports, medical appointments, and mental health, removing the traditional boundaries so students can study when it suits their needs.
Our online school offers both options, with additional attendance flexibility as students can choose to watch lessons on demand instead of attending live if it fits better with their schedules. For example, a few of our international students have large time zone differences, so they choose to catch up on classes separately at a better time for them.
Advantages & Challenges of Full-Time Learning
Full-time learning provides full coverage of the core foundational skills, with a consistent study plan and balanced structure, and frequent peer interaction online, which helps to build social and communication skills. This learning approach leaves fewer gaps, providing a well-rounded education that builds students’ abilities in a range of areas, helping to prepare them for further study and future career pathways.
However, full-time learning has higher demands on both time and attention span, with a heavier workload that requires balancing personal life with studying. Full-time learning can be more restrictive as it tends to follow a set routine, and may be overwhelming for students with already full schedules.
Advantages & Challenges of Part-Time Learning
Part-time learning offers greater flexibility, with a less overwhelming study schedule that is tailored to students’ pace and interests. This learning approach allows focus on fewer subjects, making it easier to balance with other commitments such as travel, health, sports, and additional school enrolment. Part-time learning creates a more personalised approach with no required subjects and full flexibility over subject choices.
However, part-time learning may create some curriculum gaps and reduce the social interaction elements of online learning. Studying fewer subjects, whilst being less overwhelming with a lower workload, may also require more discipline, as the flexible schedule requires students to be proactive in studying outside of classes as well.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing
Below are some key concepts to consider for students, parents, or guardians:
- Academic Goals & Entry Requirements: What grades/subjects are needed? What requirements are expected to progress onto further study and future careers?
- Learning Style & Self-Discipline: Part-time study approaches need more self-motivation. Some students thrive with structure, but others may struggle and prefer more flexibility.
- Social Opportunities: Learning is not just academic; full-time learning can help encourage social interaction and build communication skills.
- Schedule Flexibility: Part-time students have more flexibility around other commitments.
- Cost: Fees differ between part-time and full-time as the number of subjects studied increases.
- Student Needs: Considering SEND and how students learn best will depend on whether part-time or full-time schedules suit students’ needs better.
Conclusion
Part-time and full-time online learning both offer powerful alternatives to traditional school, especially if local schools do not meet the specific needs when flexibility is needed. Full-time tends to give more structure, fuller subject coverage, and alignment with exam paths; part-time gives flexibility, potentially lower pressure, and more ability to tailor a student’s schedule.
Which is “better’ depends a lot on students’ age, personality, goals, and learning needs. For primary students, keeping things engaging, manageable, and balanced is crucial. For secondary and sixth form students, exam readiness, subject choices, and maintaining momentum often weight more heavily. Ultimately, your decision for full-time or part-time learning will be down to which meets the educational needs of the student best and what works around their schedule.
