When parents first consider removing their child from the mainstream system, they are often confronted with two terms used interchangeably: "Homeschooling" and "Online Schooling." While they may sound similar, the day-to-day reality—and the legal framework—are entirely different.
The Legal Classification: Elective Home Education (EHE)
In the eyes of the UK government and your Local Authority, both traditional homeschooling and attending an online school fall under the exact same legal umbrella: Elective Home Education (EHE).
Because full-time virtual schools do not have physical premises, they cannot legally be classified as standard independent schools. Therefore, when you deregister your child to attend one, you are legally taking on the responsibility for their education "otherwise than at school" (Section 7, Education Act 1996).
The Practical Difference: Who is Teaching?
This is where the paths diverge drastically.
Traditional Homeschooling
In traditional homeschooling, the parent is the teacher. You are responsible for sourcing the curriculum, planning the daily lessons, marking the work, and ensuring your child stays on track. For some families, this total control is the goal. However, for working parents or those without an educational background, teaching secondary-level Physics or A-Level Maths is an impossible task.
Online Schooling
When you enroll your child in an online school, you are legally home educating, but you are outsourcing the actual teaching to qualified professionals. Your child logs into a portal, attends live, interactive classes with subject-specialist teachers, and follows the official British Curriculum (KS3, GCSEs, A-Levels). The school sets the timetable, marks the homework, and provides reports to you.
Which is right for you?
If you want total control over what and when your child learns, and you have the time to dedicate to teaching, traditional homeschooling is wonderful. But if you want the flexibility and safety of learning from home while ensuring your child receives a rigorous, expert-led academic education, online schooling is the answer.
Looking to make the switch? If you are looking for the best online schools in the UK, let us help. Take our free 2-minute assessment, and we will match your child with accredited schools that fit your family's exact needs.