Over the last few years, more and more children across the UK have experienced some level of online learning. Worldwide, one study suggested that globally 49% of students have done some form of e-learning. Alongside this, online education is expected to make up around 15.9% of the global education market in 2025, highlighting just how significant the growth of online education has become.
This is especially true given more and more families are looking for alternatives to traditional school. The BBC reported that pupils moving to home education had risen by 22% between 2023 and 2024 – a big jump that shows the demand for new approaches to learning.
For some pupils, digital resources provide additional support in specific subjects, while for others they form the foundation of a full education at home. In particular, online learning offers benefits for SEND learners, children with busy schedules, and families looking for alternatives to mainstream schools.
What does online education mean?
It’s key to note that online education may refer more structured initiatives like online platforms like schools and tutoring services, while online leaning may refer to this or flexible, self-guided methods of learning such as revising, internet browsing and more general, less structured modes or tools. Both may be interchangeable in some contexts though.
When thinking about what online education means, it’s important to recognise that it can be integrated into children’s education in several ways:
- Through schools: Pupils may join remote lessons for subjects where onsite teachers aren’t available, or schools may use online providers to fill subject gaps.
- Private tutoring: Families often choose private online tutoring outside of school hours to strengthen knowledge or improve exam performance.
- Online homeschooling: For home-educating families, there are dedicated online schools providing full timetables, teacher-led lessons and study materials.
This flexibility ensures online learning can be tailored to each child’s age, ability and family circumstances.
Key online learning statistics
The growth in online learning in the UK has been backed by strong data:
- According to a research report, the global e-learning services market was estimated at $299.6 billion (£260bn) in 2024 with projections of reaching $842.6 billion (£735.4bn) by 2030. These reflect broader online education statistics that show rapid global investment.
- Elective home education (EHE) has also become more popular, with 111,7000 children registered as home educated in Autumn 2024, up from 92,000 in Autumn 2023.
- The BBC reported that a Freedom of Information request highlighted that UK councils received nearly 50,000 notifications in 2022-2023 from families wanting to homeschool their children.
- A 2023 Sutton Trust report showed that 30% of 11–16-year-olds in the UK had received private tutoring. In Years 10 and 11, 18% of pupils had tutoring during 2020/21 alone.
- In 2020, the UK education technology sector grew by 72%, driven by school closures and demand for e-learning.
While the National Tutoring Programme has ended, private online tutoring is still highly popular, showing how much attitudes towards online learning have changed in recent years.
Why is online education growing?
Families turn to online tutoring, online homeschooling and other forms of online learning for many reasons, including:
Flexibility
Families who travel often, children in the performing arts or sports, or those with otherwise busy schedules all benefit from the freedom that online learning provides.
For example, Owen Cooper, the Emmy-winning star of Netflix’s Adolescence, had private tutoring while filming the show and his upcoming film Wuthering Heights so he could prepare for his GCSEs. This flexibility meant he could keep up with academic demands while continuing his acting work.
Subject choice
Online providers offer a wider selection of subjects than some mainstream schools. Parents who want their child to study a subject not available at school or through home resources may find that online tutoring is the perfect solution.
Wellbeing
For children who have struggled with bullying or wellbeing concerns in mainstream school, online programmes can create a safe and supportive environment. This is especially true for children with SEND or mental health needs, where online learning can give them the structure and tools to succeed.
Personalisation
One of the strongest drivers of the growth in online education is its adaptability. Tutoring and online homeschooling can be adapted to a child’s level, pace and interests, ensuring they receive exactly the education they need. This type of tailored teaching is particularly helpful for neurodiverse learners, making lessons more engaging and meaningful.
Online learning challenges and considerations
While the benefits of online learning are clear, there are challenges to be aware of:
Digital access
Ofcom reported that during lockdown, 11% of children relied solely on mobile phones or tablets for online learning. Having reliable devices and internet access makes a big difference. For families who move around a lot, private online tutoring may be easier to manage than a full online homeschool programme with a set timetable.
Socialisation
Parents need to provide opportunities for offline activities and peer interactions, so children continue developing social skills. Structured sports, clubs and group activities can complement online learning in this way. Families can also find plenty of friendly groups on sites like Facebook, and these are a great way to connect with other parents and children nearby. Especially with local groups, you can organise meet ups for your children and build a sense of community.
Screen time
Although online learning is very different from social media use, spending too much time on devices can lead to screen fatigue. Parents should create routines to balance online education with healthy offline activities.
What does the future of online learning look like?
Looking ahead, the growth in online learning will likely become even more embedded within both homeschooling and mainstream education. This may look like:
- Schools adopting more remote lessons to manage teacher shortages and subject coverage.
- Enrolment in online schools and platforms increasing. Structured programmes led by professional and qualified teachers will be key to delivering high-quality lessons.
- Increasing use of AI-powered resources that adapt to students’ needs in real-time.
- Greater integration of virtual and augmented reality tools to make lessons more interactive.
Final thoughts
Online learning is here to stay and is an effective way to bring flexibility, personalisation and accessibility into children’s education. The growth in online learning over the last few years has meant more and more parents are exploring what options there are out there.
Whether you are considering homeschooling online or simply wish to give your child extra support with private tutoring, TLC LIVE can help.
Get in touch today to find out how our Online School and Online Tutoring programmes can support your child’s learning.
By Ryan Lockett, Headteacher, TLC LIVE Online School
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