UK Online School Fees & Costs

A clear, up-to-date guide to what families actually pay — from budget-friendly options to premium online private schools.

Online schools are significantly more affordable than traditional independent schools (which often cost £15,000–£30,000+ per year). Because they don’t have the same building and facilities overheads, more of the fee goes directly into teaching and support.

We work with schools across a wide price range so we can match families properly. Below is a realistic overview based on current conversations with providers.

Typical full-time match: around £4,000–£5,000/year before exam sitting fees. Want options in your budget?

Get fee options in ~60 seconds Free · no obligation · on this page

Part-Time / Core Subjects
From £800
per subject / year
  • Ideal for KS1, KS2 and KS3
  • Core subjects (English, Maths, Science)
  • Smaller commitment while parents cover other areas
  • Flexible and budget-friendly entry point
  • Students remain partially home-educated
Most Popular
Full-Time Online School
£4,500 – £9,000
per year
  • Full programme (typically 9 subjects)
  • Structured school day with live lessons
  • Small classes (often 6–10 students)
  • DfE-accredited providers
  • Pastoral support and regular feedback
  • Suitable for full Elective Home Education
Premium / Private Equivalent
£10,000 – £19,000
per year
  • High-level, private-school standard
  • Very small classes and strong mentoring
  • Wide subject choice and enrichment
  • 1:1 support options available
  • Designed for families wanting the highest quality

Sixth Form (A-Levels) is usually priced differently: individual subjects typically £2,300–£6,000, or a 3 A-Level package around £7,000–£9,000. An EPQ often costs £1,000–£3,500. Exact fees vary by school and package.

Important: These are realistic current ranges based on conversations with schools. When you use our free matching service we take your budget into account and only discuss options that make sense for your family. There is no pressure and no obligation.

Other costs to plan for

Tuition is the main cost, but these extra items are worth budgeting for:

1. Examination fees

Online schools do not usually include the cost of sitting GCSEs or A-Levels. Students sit as private candidates. Expect roughly £150–£250+ per subject depending on the exam board and centre.

2. Technology

A reliable laptop or computer with webcam and microphone, plus a stable broadband connection, is essential for live lessons.

3. Books and practical materials

Most resources are digital, but some subjects (especially sciences) may require textbooks or simple home practical kits.

Want help finding a school in your budget?

Tell us your rough budget and your child’s needs. We will talk you through realistic options and, if you wish, introduce you to suitable accredited schools. No pressure.

Start Your Free Assessment

Get a free match

Free for parents, no obligation. About 60 seconds — three short questions.

⭐️
We Take the Hassle Away

Parents tell us comparing schools and costs is overwhelming. We do that research for you and recommend the best fit.

🏛️
DfE & OEAS Focused

We only recommend online schools that meet strong Department for Education standards for teaching and care.

🔒
100% Free for Parents

No cost to you. We discuss the best options and refer you to the right school(s) for your situation.




Step 1 of 3
Tell us about your child

How many children are you enquiring for?




What year group is the student currently in?

(Select all that apply)





When are you looking to start?




Step 2 of 3
How can we match you?

Primary reason for exploring online school






Expected annual tuition budget

UK online schools are fee-paying independent provisions.



Anything else we should know? (optional)

EHCP, dyslexia, SEN support, location if living abroad, sport hours…


Step 3 of 3
Where should we send your recommendations?




Online school fees FAQs

How much do UK online schools cost?
Budgets vary. Full-time UK online school fees commonly land around £4,000–£5,000 a year before exam sitting fees; some packages cost more. Part-time or per-subject routes are usually lower. Tell us a range on the match form.
Are there extra exam fees?
GCSEs and A-Levels sat as a private candidate usually have exam-centre and board fees on top of tuition. Budget for those separately when you compare schools.
Can we start mid-year?
Often yes. Many UK online schools take mid-year starters in January or even mid-term. Use the match form if term has already started — see also our January start guide.
Is the matching service free?
Yes. Partner schools fund the service. You pay Online Schools nothing to be matched.
What is usually included in online school tuition?
Most full-time packages include live or structured lessons, pastoral support, and progress feedback. Exam sitting fees, devices, and some textbooks or practical kits are often separate — the ranges on this page are tuition first.
How do online school fees compare with private day school after VAT?
Independent day schools often sit at £15,000–£30,000+ a year before extras. Accredited UK online schools commonly land lower because they do not carry the same building overheads. Exact comparisons depend on year group and package — use free matching for options in your budget.
Are free trials available before we pay fees?
Many partner schools offer a short free trial so your child can try lessons before you commit. Ask on the match form and we will flag trial options where they fit.
Can we pay monthly or termly?
Payment schedules vary by school. Some offer termly or monthly options; others bill annually. We note your preference when matching and only introduce schools that can work with how you prefer to pay.
Is part-time cheaper if we only need core subjects?
Yes. Part-time or per-subject routes (often from around £800 per subject per year for younger stages) cost less than a full timetable. Useful if you are covering other subjects at home or easing in.
Do SEN or EHCP needs usually cost more?
Some schools include reasonable adjustments in the standard fee; others price extra 1:1 support separately. Tell us about EHCP, autism, ADHD, or anxiety on the form so we only discuss realistic options.
Do sibling discounts exist?
Some online schools reduce fees for a second child; others do not. It is school-specific — mention siblings on the match form and we will ask each option.
What about laptops, broadband, and software?
Most families already have a laptop or Chromebook and a stable home connection. Specialist software is usually browser-based. If a school requires a specific device, that should be clear before you enrol.
Are there scholarships or LA-funded places?
Occasionally schools run limited scholarships or accept LA-funded places where an EHCP names online provision. These are not guaranteed. Matching can still help you understand which partners discuss funding routes.
How quickly can we get fee options after matching?
Once you submit the free form, we aim to introduce suitable partner schools quickly so you can compare fees, trials, and start dates without calling every provider yourself.

More: how much do online schools cost? · is it legal? · January start · SEN online school