The landscape of education in the UK is evolving, with more families exploring alternatives to traditional schooling.
Recent data from the Department for Education reveals a significant trend: as of autumn 2024, local authorities reported 111,700 children in elective home education (EHE) in England. This figure represents a notable increase, with 153,300 children experiencing EHE at some point during the 2023/24 academic year.
A BBC article published in June 2024 further highlights this shift, reporting that councils received nearly 50,000 notifications from families intending to remove their children from school in the previous academic year.
This surge, the highest since the pandemic, doesn’t include children already being home educated. Interestingly, mental health concerns emerged as the primary driver behind this trend.
As parents, you may be contemplating whether online schooling could be the right choice for your child. It’s a decision that requires careful consideration of your child’s unique needs, learning style, and circumstances.
To help you navigate this important decision, we’ve compiled a list of seven key questions to ask yourself.
1. Does my child feel overwhelmed or distracted by the environment of traditional school?
Online schooling can be a game-changer for students who find traditional classrooms overwhelming or struggle with specific subjects. At TLC LIVE Online School, we offer a calmer, more controlled learning environment that eliminates many of the distractions found in physical schools. Our virtual classrooms allow students to focus more easily on their studies, while our small class sizes (maximum of nine students) ensure each child receives personalised attention.
The flexibility of online learning means students can work at their own pace, take breaks when needed, and revisit challenging concepts without feeling rushed. This self-paced approach can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.
For students struggling with particular subjects, we can allocate more time or provide extra one-to-one support. Our teachers can quickly identify areas where a student might be falling behind and offer targeted help.
Moreover, our online platform provides easy access to additional resources and materials, which students can review independently outside of class time. This combination of flexibility, personalised support, and accessible resources can boost confidence, improve performance in challenging subjects, and create a more positive learning experience overall.
2. Does my child have a special learning need (such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or anxiety)?
Online schooling can be particularly beneficial for students with special learning needs. At TLC LIVE Online School, we understand that each child’s needs are unique. Our format allows for easy implementation of assistive technologies and personalised learning strategies.
For example, for students with ADHD, the ability to take breaks when needed and learn in a less distracting environment can be helpful. For those with dyslexia or autism, we can adjust the pace of learning and provide additional resources as required.
This flexible, supportive environment can help students with learning differences thrive academically and build confidence in their abilities, without the pressures often found in traditional classroom settings.
3. Does my child struggle with social anxiety, bullying, or peer pressure in traditional school?
Online schooling can provide a safe haven for students who face social challenges in traditional school settings. At TLC LIVE Online School, we offer a learning environment free from bullying and many forms of peer pressure. Our no-camera policy during lessons (except for registration) can significantly reduce anxiety for students who feel self-conscious or struggle with social interactions.
The online format allows students to focus on their studies without the added stress of navigating complex social situations. They can participate in discussions via text chat, which many find less intimidating than speaking up in a physical classroom. This can help build confidence gradually, allowing students to engage more fully with their learning.
By removing these social stressors, many students find they can concentrate better on their academic progress, potentially leading to improved performance and overall well-being.
4. Does my child need a schedule that allows them to prioritise a disrupted lifestyle or extracurricular activities?
Online schooling offers a level of flexibility that can be invaluable for students with demanding extracurricular commitments or those dealing with disrupted lifestyles. At TLC LIVE Online School, we understand that education needs to fit around your child’s life, not the other way around.
Our structured yet flexible approach allows students to balance their academic responsibilities with other important aspects of their lives. Whether your child is a competitive athlete, a budding musician, or needs to accommodate frequent travel or medical appointments, online schooling can provide the adaptability they need.
Students can access lesson materials and resources at any time, allowing them to review content at their own pace. This flexibility ensures that they can maintain their educational progress while pursuing their passions or managing other life commitments, without sacrificing the quality of their education.
5. Does my child have (or can we provide) the necessary technology, internet access, and workspace for successful online learning?
Successful online learning requires a suitable home setup. At TLC LIVE Online School, we aim to make our programme accessible, but it’s important to consider the practical aspects. Your child will need a reliable computer or laptop and a stable internet connection to participate in live lessons and access online resources.
A dedicated, quiet workspace is also crucial for concentration and engagement. This doesn’t need to be a separate room, but should be a space where your child can focus without distractions during school hours.
We use a user-friendly platform that integrates with Unicko Classroom, ensuring a smooth learning experience. While advanced technical skills aren’t necessary, basic computer literacy is helpful. If you’re unsure about meeting these requirements, we’re happy to discuss solutions and offer guidance to ensure your child can fully engage with our online school environment.
6. Does my child need to study the UK curriculum but live in a different country?
TLC LIVE Online School offers an excellent solution for families living abroad who want their children to follow the British curriculum. Our online programmes are designed to align with UK educational standards, ensuring that students can seamlessly transition to or from traditional British schools if needed.
We offer a comprehensive curriculum covering Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14) and GCSE levels (ages 14-16), following the requirements of UK exam boards such as AQA and Edexcel. This means that regardless of where your family is based, your child can receive a high-quality British education.
The flexibility of our online format allows students to attend lessons from any location with a reliable internet connection. This continuity in education can be particularly valuable for families who move frequently or plan to return to the UK in the future, ensuring that their children’s education remains consistent and aligned with British standards.
7. Does my child plan to attend college, pursue a specific career path, or take UK exams (GCSEs, A-Levels)?
At TLC LIVE Online School, we are committed to preparing students for their future academic and career goals. Our curriculum is fully aligned with UK educational standards, ensuring that students are well-prepared for GCSEs and potentially A-Levels.
We offer a comprehensive education that covers all core subjects and some additional options, providing a solid foundation for further studies. Our experienced teachers are skilled at preparing students for exams, offering targeted support and guidance throughout the GCSE process.
For students considering college or specific career paths, we provide regular progress tracking and personalised support to help them achieve their goals. We also assist families in finding local exam centres where students can register as private candidates for their GCSEs.
By combining high-quality education with the development of independent learning skills, we aim to equip our students with the knowledge and abilities they need for success in their chosen future paths.
Ready to discover more?
Online schooling offers a flexible, personalised alternative to traditional education that can benefit many students. If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to several of these questions, it might be worth exploring this option further.
At TLC LIVE Online School, we’re committed to providing a supportive learning environment that caters to each student’s individual needs. Our approach combines quality education with the advantages of modern technology, preparing students for future success.
Every child is unique, and we’re here to help you make the best decision for your family. If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your child’s education journey, please get in touch.
By Ryan Lockett, Headteacher, TLC LIVE Online School