What are the Best Online Secondary Schools UK?
Online schooling has become an increasingly popular option for families in the UK, providing flexibility, tailored learning, and access to high-quality education from the comfort of home. It caters to both primary school and secondary school students, offering a curriculum aligned with the National Curriculum of the UK. For secondary school students, online/remote learning can be a game-changer, especially for those with unique educational needs (e.g. being home educated) or challenges in traditional schooling environments. In this blog, we explore the best online secondary schools in the UK, evaluate their effectiveness, and answer common questions about costs and logistics.
What is Online Schooling?
Online schooling is a type of education that takes place entirely online, where students learn remotely through digital platforms and tools. It provides an alternative to traditional schooling, offering flexibility and convenience for students who may not be able to attend a physical school due to various reasons such as location, health, or personal circumstances. Online schooling allows students to access high-quality education from anywhere in the world, at any time, and at their own pace.
Online schools especially appear for homeschooling students in the UK, as it offers structure to their learning regardless of their key stage (KS1, KS2, KS3/GCSE, A Level).
Best Online Schools UK – Rankings
Choosing the right online secondary school is essential for students who may face challenges in a traditional school setting, ensuring academic success and personal growth. Below are some of the top-rated online schools in the UK, based on reviews, curriculum offerings, and student outcomes.
1. King’s InterHigh
Overview: One of the UK’s leading online schools, offering a structured school day with live lessons.
Key Features:
Covers KS3, GCSEs, and A-Levels.
Offers a wide range of subjects and extracurricular activities.
Tailored for students who thrive in a flexible, tech-driven environment.
Cost: Fees start from approximately £4,500 per year.
2. Cambridge Online School & College International
Overview: A prestigious online school delivering the Cambridge Curriculum for secondary and college students.
Key Features:
Live lessons with small class sizes.
Specialises in GCSE and A-Level preparation.
Focuses on academic excellence and individual student support.
Cost: Fees vary but are generally mid-range for online schools.
3. Wolsey Hall Oxford
Overview: A highly respected online school with a history of providing independent learning resources.
Key Features:
Self-paced learning without live lessons.
Offers extensive support from tutors and mentors.
Suitable for motivated and disciplined students.
Cost: Flexible pricing based on the courses chosen.
4. British Online School
Overview: Known for small class sizes and live lessons that follow the English National Curriculum.
Key Features:
Offers KS3, GCSE, and A-Level courses.
Includes a focus on extracurriculars and community building.
Cost: Fees start at £3,500 per year.
5. Acorns to Oaks Online Primary School & Secondary School
Overview: Provides homeschooling for primary and secondary students with a strong emphasis on live lessons.
Key Features:
Uses the Cambridge Curriculum.
Small class sizes for personalized attention.
Cost: Approximately £4,000 per year.
These schools are consistently ranked among the best for their academic quality, flexibility, and supportive environments for students.
Are Online Secondary Schools Good?
Online secondary schools can be an excellent option for many students, offering distinct advantages over traditional school settings. However, they also come with unique challenges that families should consider.
Advantages of Online Secondary Schools
Flexibility: Students can learn at their own pace, accommodating personal schedules or extracurricular commitments.
Individualised Attention: Smaller class sizes and one-on-one tutoring allow for personalized learning experiences.
Wide Range of Subjects: Online schools often offer more subject choices, including niche areas like coding, creative writing, or advanced sciences.
Safe Environment: For students dealing with bullying, anxiety, or medical issues, online schools provide a secure and supportive alternative.
Challenges to Consider
Self-Motivation Required: Online schooling demands discipline and independence, which may not suit every student.
Social Interaction: The online learning environment provides limited opportunities for face-to-face interactions which can affect social skills, unlike in a traditional school setting, unless supplemented with extracurricular activities.
Technology Dependency: Reliable internet access and suitable devices are essential for effective learning.
- Suitability for those with SEN requirements: These online schools may or may not have specialist staff to tailor the teaching and learning material to students with special educational needs.
Online School Curriculum and Subjects
Online schools in the UK typically follow the National Curriculum, which is the same curriculum taught in traditional schools. The curriculum includes a range of subjects such as GCSE English, mathematics, science, humanities, and languages. Online schools may also offer additional subjects and courses, such as computer science, art, and music. The British curriculum is widely recognised and respected globally, providing students with a solid foundation for future academic and professional success.
So, if you want a world class education, then consider the British curriculum!
Online School Community and Support
Online schools provide a range of support services to ensure that students feel connected and supported throughout their learning journey. This includes access to your very own personal mentor, qualified teachers, school clubs, and extracurricular activities. Many online schools also organise in person meet ups, school trips and events, allowing students to meet their peers and dedicated teachers in person. Online schools foster a strong sense of community, promoting social interaction and collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Can I Do Online School Instead of Going to School in the UK?
Yes, students in the UK can choose to attend an online school instead of a traditional one. Here’s what you need to know:
Legal Requirements
Parents are legally responsible for ensuring their child receives a full-time education suitable for their age and abilities.
If you opt for online schooling, you must notify your child’s current school and local authority.
How Online Schools Fulfill Requirements
Reputable online schools follow the UK National Curriculum or recognised international curriculums, ensuring that students meet academic standards.
Most online schools offer structured timetables, live online lessons, and regular assessments to mirror traditional schooling.
Who Benefits from Online Schools?
Students with Medical Conditions: Those unable to attend physical schools due to health issues.
Athletes or Performers: Students balancing demanding schedules alongside their education.
Bullying Victims: Online schools provide a safer learning environment.
Families Who Travel Frequently: Flexible schedules accommodate relocations and travel.
How Much Is Online Secondary School in the UK?
The cost of online secondary school in the UK varies depending on the institution, the level of support provided, and the curriculum offered. Below is a breakdown of typical costs:
1. Tuition Fees
Budget-Friendly Options: Some online schools charge as little as £2,000–£3,500 per year.
Mid-Range Schools: Expect to pay £4,000–£6,000 annually for schools offering live lessons and extracurricular activities.
Premium Schools: Elite institutions may charge upwards of £6,000–£10,000 per year.
2. Additional Costs
Examination Fees: Students taking GCSEs or A-Levels must pay for exams as private candidates. Fees average £30–£50 per GCSE subject and £100–£150 per A-Level subject.
Technology: Families should budget for reliable devices (laptops or tablets) and internet connections.
Extracurriculars: Activities such as sports, music lessons, or field trips may incur additional costs.
3. Payment Plans
Many online schools offer flexible payment options, including monthly or termly payments, making it easier for families to manage costs.
4. Rigid Payment Structures 👎
Online schools can become very expensive and impose the same principles/ethods of mainstream schools but in an online setting. Many online schools also only provide packages with a minimum number of subjects, of which you may not wish to do all of them so you end up over-paying.
For example, Kings InterHigh’s GCSE package includes 8 subjects which are timetabled at fixed times. But, you may wish to do your home schooling at times that suit your family schedule or maybe due to your child’s interests and/or your budget you want to only do 3 subjects. Studdle provides heavily discounted plans where you only pay for each subject you wish to take, allowing students and their families to budget accordingly and to have lessons at times that suit their own schedule. Contact our team for more information.
Online School Technology and Infrastructure
Online schools use advanced technology and infrastructure to deliver high-quality education. This includes virtual classrooms, live lessons, and interactive learning tools. Online schools invest heavily in digital infrastructure, ensuring that students have access to reliable and secure online platforms. Many online schools also provide students with laptops or tablets, ensuring that they have the necessary tools to access online learning resources. The use of technology in online schools enables personalised learning, real-time feedback, and data-driven instruction, enhancing the overall learning experience.
How to Choose the Best Online Secondary School for Your Child
Choosing the right online school requires careful consideration, just as it would when choosing a traditional school. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Curriculum: Ensure the school follows a recognized curriculum, such as the UK National Curriculum or Cambridge International Curriculum.
Teaching Methodology: Decide whether your child prefers live lessons, recorded sessions, or self-paced learning.
Support Services: Look for schools offering pastoral care, SEN support, and access to tutors.
Reputation: Check reviews and rankings to assess the school’s performance and student outcomes.
Trial Periods: Many online schools offer trial lessons or open days—take advantage of these to determine if the school is a good fit.
Conclusion – Best Online Secondary Schools UK
Online secondary schools in the UK offer a flexible, personalised, and high-quality alternative to conventional schooling. Whether your child needs a safer learning environment, a more tailored approach, or the flexibility to pursue other interests, online schools provide a viable solution.
By exploring the top-ranked schools, understanding the costs involved, and evaluating the benefits and challenges of homeschooling / online schools, you can make an informed decision about whether online schooling is the right choice for your family. With options catering to a variety of needs and budgets, there has never been a better time to consider online education for secondary students.