Online School vs Homeschooling in the UK: A Parent's Guide

What is an online school?

An online school is an institution that delivers the school curriculum entirely via the internet, using live video lessons, pre-recorded content, or a combination of both. Online schools in the UK vary significantly: some are registered independent schools inspected by Ofsted, while others are private learning providers that are not formally registered as schools. Notable UK online schools include InterHigh, Wolsey Hall Oxford, and the National Extension College.

Students who attend an online school typically follow a timetabled schedule of lessons, submit assignments, and receive feedback from subject-specialist teachers. They sit recognised qualifications — usually GCSE and A-level — through external examination centres, since online schools cannot host public examinations themselves.

The cost of online schools varies widely, from approximately £5,000 to £15,000 or more per year depending on the provider and the number of subjects studied.

What is home education (homeschooling)?

Home education — formally called elective home education (EHE) in England — is the arrangement where a parent or guardian takes direct responsibility for their child's education at home. There is no requirement to follow the National Curriculum, no requirement to have qualified teachers, and no requirement to use a specific curriculum or structure.

Parents who home educate may design their own curriculum, use curriculum packages from specialist providers, hire private tutors, use online resources, or attend home education groups with other families. The approach can be highly flexible — some families follow a structured timetable, others take an informal, interest-led approach.

Home-educated students can still sit GCSEs and A-levels as private candidates, registered through an external examination centre such as a local school, college, or private exam centre. There is usually a per-subject entry fee.

How do online school and home education compare?

Which is better for socialization?

Neither online school nor home education offers the same in-person peer interaction as a bricks-and-mortar school. However, online schools typically have year groups, tutor groups, and social channels through which students interact virtually. Some online schools organise in-person events and revision sessions.

Home-educated families often address socialisation through home education groups (which meet weekly for activities), sports clubs, drama groups, and community activities. The quality of social experience in both cases depends heavily on what the family actively seeks out — it is not built into the structure as it is in a traditional school.

Who chooses each route and why?

Families choosing online school often do so because a child has experienced significant bullying, anxiety, or a medical condition that prevents daily school attendance. Some families value the flexibility of learning from home while still having professional teachers deliver lessons.

Families choosing home education often do so from a philosophical conviction that they can provide a better or more personalised education, because they are travelling or living internationally, or because their child has needs that mainstream schooling does not meet well. Home education also allows families to integrate religious or cultural values into daily learning.

What should parents consider before choosing?

Before committing to either route, parents should honestly assess:

• How much time can they personally devote to oversight and, for home education, active teaching?
• Does their child thrive with structure and peer contact, or do they prefer flexibility and one-to-one attention?
• What are the costs, and are they sustainable for the full secondary years?
• How will the child sit public examinations, and are there accessible examination centres nearby?
• Does the child have a clear view on their own preference?

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to notify anyone if I remove my child from school to homeschool or use an online school?

If your child is registered at a maintained school (state school), you must notify the school that you are withdrawing them and intend to home educate. The school must then notify the local authority. You do not need the school's permission to home educate, but you must deregister your child formally. If you register your child with an online school that is itself registered as an independent school, that school will manage registration formalities.

Is home education or online school recognised on university applications?

Universities consider GCSE and A-level grades regardless of where a student was educated. A home-educated student with strong GCSE and A-level grades has the same chance of a university offer as a mainstream school student with the same grades. Some very competitive programmes (such as medicine) have historically shown preference for structured school environments, and applicants should check individual university guidance.

Can a student return to mainstream school after online school or home education?

Yes. Students can return to mainstream school or transition to a sixth form or FE college after a period of online school or home education. The admissions process is the same as for any transfer student — the school or college will assess the student's existing qualifications and suitability for available places.

Are online schools regulated in the same way as traditional schools?

No. Regulation of online schools varies. Some online schools are registered as independent schools with the Department for Education and are inspected by Ofsted or other inspectorates; others are private learning providers with no formal Ofsted oversight. Parents considering an online school should check whether the provider is registered as an independent school and read any available inspection reports before enrolling.

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