Online school vs homeschool
7 min read ยท updated 2026-10-13
Both mean learning at home, but they are not the same. In an online school, qualified teachers teach a timetable and the school is responsible for the education. In homeschooling, parents are responsible for what and how their child learns.
Side by side
- โ Who teaches: online schools employ teachers; in homeschooling, parents teach or arrange tutors, courses and classes
- โ Structure: online schools have timetables, live lessons and set work; homeschooling is as structured or flexible as the family chooses
- โ Curriculum: online schools follow a curriculum such as GCSE/IGCSE or American; home educators in England don't have to follow the national curriculum
- โ Exams: online schools usually enter students for exams; home-educated students sit GCSEs and A Levels as private candidates at an exam centre
- โ Cost: online schools charge fees; homeschooling costs depend on the resources and tutors a family uses
The rules in England
Parents can educate their child at home full time; they must make sure the child receives a full-time education from age 5, but do not have to follow the national curriculum. The local council can make an informal enquiry to check the education is suitable. Schools must accept a request to take a child out completely, and a child at a special school needs the council's permission.
Since 2023, the Department for Education has run an online education accreditation scheme: full-time online education providers can apply to be inspected against the Online Education Standards. Check whether an online school is accredited before enrolling. Rules differ in the rest of the UK and in other countries, including between US states.
Who each suits
- โ Online school: families who want a school's structure, teachers and exam entries without the commute, or who travel or live abroad
- โ Homeschool: families who want full control over pace and content, and can commit the time to organise it
- โ Either, plus tutoring: specialist subjects such as GCSE sciences or A Level Maths are where one-to-one tutors help most
FAQs
Is online school the same as homeschooling?๏ผ
No. An online school is responsible for teaching and assessment; in homeschooling, parents are responsible for the child's education.
Is homeschooling legal in the UK?๏ผ
Yes. In England, parents must make sure their child gets a suitable full-time education from age 5, but don't have to follow the national curriculum.
Can homeschooled children take GCSEs?๏ผ
Yes, as private candidates at an exam centre, which charges entry fees.
Are online schools accredited in England?๏ผ
Full-time online education providers can apply to the Department for Education's online education accreditation scheme, which began in 2023.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 2026-10-13.
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