Highgrove Online School is an outstanding school for ambitious pupils aged 11-18 who want the very best all-round British education wherever they might be in the world. We offer a warm school community, an academic programme that supports pupils to achieve to the very best of their ability at GCSE and A level, and an extra-curricular programme that is second to none. We offer a world-class education to rival that of the very best in-person UK independent schools and to support pupils into the world’s leading universities. As well as full time online schooling, we offer part time A level, GCSE, EPQ and elective courses, and bespoke programmes including individual tuition to tailor for the exact needs of each pupil.

Our approach to teaching and learning is completely different to that of a traditional school. We teach using a flipped learning approach.  Our pupils develop an understanding of subject content independently by working through high-quality interactive self-study materials. Our teachers have full visibility of our pupils’ progress through their self-study courses and hold two live lessons per subject per week in which they support pupils to apply what they have learnt, targeting the areas of curriculum pupils have found challenging. Our small classes of up to 12 pupils at Key Stage 3 and GCSE and 10 at A level allow fully interactive lessons, with a focus on application of knowledge to solving problems and exam questions. Our approach to learning frees up time for our teachers to give individual support to pupils when they need it. This one-to-one provision sets us apart from other schools and helps us provide individualised learning programmes where each pupil gets the amount of time and support they need.

Pupils work through interactive self-study materials prior to attending live taught lessons, where they apply and extend their knowledge. Live lessons and extra-curricular clubs and electives are at fixed times (either morning or afternoon UK time, depending on time zone), but pupils are responsible for completing their self-study work and assignments to a schedule that they design. They are assisted by their teachers and learning coach to develop into successful independent learners, and follow a Skills and Mindset course which explicitly teaches the micro-skills required.

Pupils receive additional help from their teachers whenever they need it through drop-in office hours sessions, and are supported as they progress towards their academic goals via regular meetings with their Learning Coach. In addition, all pupils have fortnightly 1:1s with their dedicated learning coach, who provides them with support and guidance, as well as exploring their university and future career aspirations.

Student Support

All our pupils enrolled in full-time schooling receive weekly individual coaching sessions throughout their time with us. We offer drop-in office hours where our teachers can be consulted on academic matters and bookable one-to-one appointments for more tailored support. Highgrove has a full-time designated safeguarding lead to promote the well-being of pupils at the school, and a SENDCO to support the needs of neurodiverse pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities.

Community

The school has a growing international community and regularly hosts in-person meet ups, as well as numerous opportunities for pupils and alumni to connect throughout the school year. Full-time pupils attend weekly assemblies and house meetings, and have the chance to enrol in and establish student-let clubs and societies. All pupils are invited to join in-person meet ups, including day trips in the UK and international trips. There is an annual Speech Day held at the University of Oxford.

We offer extra-curricular provision that is second to none. Our enrichment programme provides a wealth of opportunities for pupils to go above and beyond their academic studies, enabling them to develop 21st century skills while forming lasting, global friendships. We have a wide range of student-led clubs and societies, and an elective programme designed to provide the opportunity to explore areas of interest and scholarship. Elective choices range from subjects as diverse as sports psychology, nutrition, game theory, advanced quantum physics, AI literacy, and creative writing. We also offer a Skills and Mindset programme which covers the micro-skills needed to become a successful independent learner, and broader well-being topics such as the importance of exercise, diet and sleep, developing self-knowledge, and dealing with anxiety and stress. Our weekly individual coaching session help pupils stay on track with their learning and support them as they plan for the future and for our older pupils, apply for university.