Is part-time online school legal in the UK?

Parents sometimes want a child to keep a connection with a local school while using an online school for selected subjects, days or terms. This can sound like a simple compromise, but “part-time online school” can describe several different arrangements. In England, the answer depends on whether your child remains registered at a school, is being educated at home, or is transferring to a full-time independent online school.

This is general information for families in England, not legal advice. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different education systems, and a child’s individual circumstances matter.

Three arrangements that are often confused

1. Flexi-schooling: school plus home education

Flexi-schooling normally means a child remains on a school roll but attends school for part of the week and is educated at home, or elsewhere, for the rest. The Department for Education’s elective home education guidance says parents can ask a school about this type of arrangement, but a school is not obliged to agree. It is therefore not a parental right to attend two or three days and automatically learn online for the others.

In practice, you would speak to the headteacher before changing the timetable. If the school agrees, ask for a written arrangement covering the days in school, the education provided away from school, attendance recording, safeguarding, communication, review dates and how the arrangement can end. Do not simply keep a child at home on agreed school days and assume an online subscription makes the absence lawful.

2. Elective home education with online teaching

If a parent chooses to provide a suitable full-time education outside school, that is usually described as elective home education (EHE). Online lessons, tutors, textbooks and practical activities can all form part of an EHE programme. The same DfE guidance makes clear that parents do not have to follow the national curriculum or use a particular provider, but they remain responsible for arranging a suitable education.

That is different from buying an online school place while remaining registered at a maintained school. If you are considering EHE, read our guide to deregistering from school first. A decision to withdraw is significant: it changes who is responsible for the education, and it is not the same as taking authorised absence or creating a flexible timetable.

3. A full-time online school

A child can transfer from a conventional school to a full-time online independent school, subject to the provider’s admissions process and the family’s legal responsibilities. Some providers are registered independent schools; others may offer tuition or learning support rather than a school place. Ask exactly what is being provided, which year groups and subjects are covered, how progress is monitored, and how public examinations are arranged.

Our overview of whether online school is legal in the UK explains why the provider’s status matters. It is also sensible to compare online school fees, exam arrangements and pastoral support, not just the timetable.

Can a child be dual registered?

“Dual registration” is often used loosely. A child may have more than one education setting involved in particular circumstances, but parents should not treat the phrase as permission to enrol with two schools independently and let them work out the attendance. The schools, admission authorities and, where relevant, the local authority need to understand who is responsible for the child and where the child is expected to be educated.

For a flexi-schooling request, start with the current school. Explain why the arrangement is being considered, propose a realistic weekly pattern, and show how English, mathematics, wider learning and social contact will be covered. A school may refuse if it cannot make the arrangement work with its curriculum, staffing, safeguarding or attendance systems. If the reason involves anxiety, special educational needs or medical issues, ask for a meeting with the SENCO or pastoral lead rather than presenting the request only as a timetable preference.

What if the school says no?

You generally have two clearer routes: continue with the school’s full-time arrangement, or make a properly considered move to EHE or another school. A refusal does not itself mean that an online school is unsuitable; it means the proposed dual arrangement has not been agreed. If the problem is a narrow subject offer, long travel or a demanding sport schedule, explain the practical evidence and ask whether the school can offer another lawful solution.

For attendance questions, use the DfE’s school attendance guidance and speak to the school or local authority. Avoid relying on social media claims that “one day online” is automatically legal. Attendance codes and responsibilities depend on the arrangement that has actually been agreed.

A sensible checklist before you decide

• Identify the arrangement: flexi-schooling, EHE, a new school place or private tuition.
• Ask the online provider whether it is a registered school, a tutor service or something else.
• Agree who is responsible for attendance, safeguarding, curriculum and progress.
• Confirm how GCSEs or other exams will be entered, including any coursework or practical assessment.
• Put any flexi-schooling agreement in writing, with review and ending arrangements.
• Keep copies of correspondence and seek independent advice if the situation involves an EHCP, social care or a dispute.

For some families, part-time online learning is a useful supplement. For others, a clean transition to a full-time online school is less confusing and provides a clearer structure. A free, no-obligation match with online schools can help you compare the options, but it cannot replace agreement from your current school or advice about your child’s specific legal position.

Frequently asked questions

Is part-time online school automatically legal?

No. It depends on the arrangement. A child attending a school part-time normally needs the school’s agreement, while EHE places the education responsibility with the parent.

Can a school refuse flexi-schooling?

Yes. DfE EHE guidance says schools are under no obligation to agree to flexi-schooling requests.

Can I keep my child on the school roll while using an online school?

Only if the relevant school and authorities agree a workable arrangement. Do not assume that enrolling with an online provider creates permission for school absences.

Is online tuition the same as an online school?

No. Tuition may supplement education; an online school may provide a broader programme, teaching and pastoral structure. Check the provider’s status and responsibilities.

Where can I read the official guidance?

Start with the DfE’s elective home education guide and the GOV.UK attendance guidance.