Parent Guide
Online school vs homeschooling: what's the difference?
They are often used as the same word, but they are two different things. In an online school your child is enrolled in a real school with qualified teachers, a timetable, reports and accreditation, the classroom simply happens at home. In homeschooling the parent takes on the role of teacher and designs the programme themselves.
Side-by-side comparison
| What matters to parents | Online school | Homeschooling |
|---|---|---|
| Qualified subject teachers deliver the lessonsIn homeschooling the parent or a hired tutor teaches. | ||
| Accredited curriculum and school reportsHomeschooling families arrange accreditation themselves. | ||
| Fixed timetable and attendance recordsHomeschooling sets its own pace. | ||
| Parent acts mainly as a supporter, not the teacherHomeschooling depends on daily parent teaching time. | ||
| Exam entry guidance for IGCSE and A-LevelsHomeschooling parents register with a centre independently. | ||
| Full flexibility over subjects and daily routineOnline school follows a set curriculum and timetable. | ||
| Classmates, clubs and school communityHomeschooling relies on outside groups for social contact. |
How much time does each ask of a parent?
Homeschooling typically asks for three to five hours of direct teaching a day, plus planning and marking. With an online school, teachers plan, teach and mark; parents keep an eye on attendance and progress, which most families manage in under half an hour a day. That single difference is the reason most working parents choose an online school.
What about qualifications?
An accredited online school enters students for the same Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE and A-Level examinations sat in physical schools, and issues recognised reports and predicted grades for university applications. Homeschooling families can achieve the same qualifications, but must find an examination centre, choose specifications and prepare their child without school-issued references.
Which should you choose?
- • Choose homeschooling if you want complete control of content and pace, and have the time to teach daily.
- • Choose an online school if you want qualified teachers, structure, accreditation and a classmate community without relocating.
- • Many families start with homeschooling in the primary years, then move to an online school from Year 7 when subject specialists matter more.
See how Brainybay works
A fully accredited Cambridge online school for Key Stage 1 to A-Levels, taught live by qualified teachers, from home.