Making the move from a mainstream school to online school is a significant shift – for both students and their families. Whether it’s a change that’s planned well in advance or one driven by personal or academic challenges, transitioning to online school brings both new opportunities and a period of adjustment.
At TLC LIVE Online School, many of our students come to us after switching from mainstream schools. Over time, we’ve learnt what helps make this online learning transition smoother, less overwhelming, and more successful for everyone involved.
In autumn 2024, local authorities reported 111,700 children in elective home education (EHE)– an increase from an estimated 92,000 in the previous autumn term. This sharp rise highlights the growing popularity of online learning as an educational choice.
With this in mind, here are some key steps and considerations that can support families through the change from classroom-based schooling to learning from home.
Communication is key from the start
One of the most important parts of making the transition from mainstream school to online school smooth is clear communication. We make it a priority to keep families fully informed throughout the admissions and onboarding process.
Parents and carers should feel confident about the benefits of online schooling and how it all works: the structure of the school day, how lessons are paced, what their child will learn, and how they will be supported along the way.
At TLC LIVE Online School, every family has regular contact with a member of our team during the lead-up to their start date. We’re here to answer questions, address any concerns, and make sure you understand how our approach will meet your child’s needs.
Make sure the tech side is taken care of
One of the practical, but vital, steps to settling into online learning is ensuring your home setup is good to go. Online school doesn’t require lots of expensive equipment, but it does rely on a stable learning environment.
We recommend:
- A reliable internet connection
- A working laptop or desktop computer (tablets and phones aren’t ideal for full-time online study)
- A quiet, clutter-free space where your child can focus during lessons
During onboarding, we talk families through our system requirements and provide guidance on how to access our platform and class resources.
Familiarise your child with the platform early
For many students, a key part of overcoming the initial nerves is spending time getting used to how the online system works before the first day.
At TLC LIVE Online School, new students can have a free trial lesson before they start with us full-time – contact us to find out more! This gives them the chance to see what our lessons look like, get to know the format, and meet some of our teaching staff in a relaxed, low-pressure environment.
Becoming comfortable with the platform early helps reduce anxiety and builds confidence-so that by the time they start properly, your child knows what to expect.
Establish a daily routine
One of the biggest shifts in the transition to online learning is the change in daily structure. While online school offers greater flexibility, it’s still important to keep a consistent routine.
Help your child set up a timetable that includes:
- A consistent start time
- Scheduled breaks for rest, lunch, and movement
- Time to review lesson notes or complete any homework
- An agreed time to finish each day
A daily structure helps bring predictability and rhythm to your child’s learning – and can make the environment at home feel more like a ‘school space’ than a relaxing space.
Create a dedicated workspace
Having a space in the home that’s clearly for learning can help students separate ‘school time’ from ‘home time.’ This doesn’t need to be elaborate, but it should be free from distractions during the school day.
We suggest a small desk or table with a comfortable chair, ideally in a quiet room. Having their learning materials close by (notebooks, log-in details, water bottle) encourages independence and helps reduce distractions.
Use personalised learning tools
Another decision point for many families during the transition is knowing whether their child is academically ‘in sync’ with where they should be-or if there are knowledge gaps from time out of school, or from previous learning difficulties.
At TLC LIVE Online School, all our students complete a SMART assessment when they join us. This gives teachers valuable insight into each student’s current level and helps identify any areas where extra support may be needed.
The goal isn’t to test or label; it’s to understand where your child is starting from, so we can personalise their learning in a way that is both supportive and stretch-based.
Adjust gradually if needed
Some students are ready to dive into a full timetable from day one. Others need a gentler transition to online learning – especially if they’ve experienced recent educational challenges, or if anxiety and overwhelm are part of their reason for switching.
We work with families to tailor a transition plan that suits their child’s needs. For some, that means beginning with a few core subjects and then adding subjects or hours gradually as their confidence builds.
This flexible structure helps reduce pressure, supports mental wellbeing, and gives students the time they need to settle in at their pace.
Maintain consistent contact with teachers
Just like in a traditional school, building a relationship with teachers is a key part of helping students feel safe and supported. Encourage your child to attend regularly, ask questions in class, and engage with their lessons.
At TLC LIVE Online School, our class sizes are small – just nine students or fewer – so every child is given space to be heard and supported.
We also make sure parents and carers are kept in the loop with progress updates. Communication between school and home is part of what helps students thrive long term.
Final thoughts
Transitioning from mainstream school to online school is a big step-for both children and their families. But with open communication, practical preparation, and the right support in place, it can be a positive and empowering change.
At TLC LIVE Online School, we aim to create a learning experience that’s built around the individual – personalised, flexible, and calm. Above all, we want each student to feel that they can succeed, learn with confidence, and find their feet in this new way of learning.
If you’re considering moving your child to online school for KS3 or GCSE and want to understand more about how the transition might look for your child, get in touch.