The advantages

1. Flexibility: The Online School offers a liberating educational experience. Free from the constraints of state-imposed curricula, parents have the freedom to educate their child according to their own preferences. The government leaves all decisions regarding how, when, where, and what to teach entirely in the hands of parents. Learning can be fully personalized, allowing subjects that don’t appeal to be omitted or revisited later.
2. Individualized Approach: At The Online School, we understand that each student is unique. Some home educators follow the UK curriculum, while others embrace a more autonomous approach. Some adhere to a structured timetable, while others empower children to take charge of their own learning. This diversity fosters resourcefulness, hands-on skills, and a variety of learning strategies. Home education is not about being better or worse than traditional schooling; it’s about providing a different, tailored experience that nurtures children’s natural curiosity.
3. Learning Anywhere: The beauty of The Online School is that learning can happen anywhere. Museums, libraries, supermarkets, and garden centers can all become impromptu classrooms. Children can explore geology at the seaside, conduct chemistry experiments in the kitchen, or study biology at a wildlife center. Opportunities for learning are abundant and extend far beyond the traditional classroom setting.
4. Student Engagement: We recognize the importance of involving children in their own learning journey. The concept of “unschooling” formalizes this approach, allowing students to take the lead in their education with the support of their parents. Contrary to misconceptions, this approach does not result in constant time wasting. Research has shown that a significant majority of unschooled children successfully transition to higher education, and numerous examples of later-life success demonstrate the effectiveness of this student-driven approach.

The challenges

1. Academic Gaps: If parents decide to transition their child back to a traditional school, it’s crucial to consider potential academic gaps that may hinder university admissions. External exams, assessments, or references from tutors can help bridge these gaps and meet admission criteria. Ensuring a well-rounded education that aligns with traditional school expectations becomes paramount in such cases.
2. Socialization: Schools provide more than just education; they offer opportunities for collaboration and group work. While online resources are valuable, they cannot replicate the experience of interacting with peers in person. It’s essential for home educators to establish local friendships and join regular meet-up groups to provide a social network for their children.
3. Time, Commitment, and Resources: Opting for online schooling, whether through The Online School or other platforms, requires ample time, commitment, and potentially financial resources. Parents take on additional responsibilities, from coordinating activities and tuition to ensuring their child’s education is fulfilling and surpasses what they would receive at a traditional school. Even if coordination and instruction are outsourced to a team of tutors, active parental involvement remains crucial.

At The Online School, we recognise and address these challenges while leveraging the advantages of flexible, personalised, and engaging education.