Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ page answers the most common questions parents and students ask about how online school works in the UK, from enrolment and curriculum details to technology, exams, and wellbeing support.
Our goal is to help you feel confident about how online learning at NovaQuest can fit your family’s needs and goals.
General Questions about Online Schools
What is an online school?
An online school delivers the full educational programme virtually: lessons, assessments, teacher feedback, and class interactions, all through a digital platform. Students attend live or recorded classes, submit assignments online, and follow a structured curriculum, similar to a physical school, but with flexibility in terms of location and schedule.
Online school vs traditional school: How are they different?
Online schools operate entirely online, eliminating the need for commuting. Lessons are interactive and often recorded, giving students more flexibility.
Traditional schools follow fixed timetables, rely on in-person instruction, and provide more physical resources, such as labs or sports facilities.
Both can deliver the same curriculum, but the style of learning is different.
What's the difference between an online academy and an online school?
An online school typically offers a comprehensive curriculum, including enrolment, exams, and pastoral care. An online academy may also offer specialist programmes, short courses, or enrichment subjects alongside the full curriculum.
At NovaQuest Academy, we combine both approaches by delivering a full academic programme with specialist options in entrepreneurship, technology, and creativity.
What's the difference between online schooling and homeschooling?
In homeschooling, parents are responsible for teaching and choosing the curriculum. In online schooling, qualified teachers deliver lessons, mark assignments, and provide structured progression.
Parents act as supporters, not primary teachers, and qualifications such as GCSEs or A-Levels are awarded through accredited exam boards.
Is online learning effective? What are the outcomes?
Research indicates that online learners often achieve the same or better results compared to those in traditional schooling. Online education allows for more flexible pacing and personalised learning.
NovaQuest Academy students progress to universities, entrepreneurship, or creative careers with qualifications equal in value to those from traditional schools.
Enrolment & Admissions
How do I enrol with an online school in the UK?
The process usually involves submitting an application, selecting subjects, providing previous school records, and paying a registration fee or deposit.
Many UK online schools, including NovaQuest Academy, accept enrolment year-round and provide orientation to help students settle in quickly.
Can I switch from a traditional school to an online school mid-year?
Yes. Many families undergo transitions during the year due to relocation, health issues, or personal reasons.
NovaQuest Academy offers rolling enrolment and catch-up support, allowing students to continue their studies without losing progress.
Do you offer trial lessons or open days?
Yes. NovaQuest Academy offers trial classes and virtual open days, allowing families to experience our teaching style before making a commitment. This helps both parents and students feel confident about the decision.
How flexible is subject choice (add/drop)?
Students can add or drop subjects during the year, particularly at GCSE and A-level.
At NovaQuest Academy, we strive to be flexible, although last-minute changes may depend on teacher availability and exam deadlines.
Curriculum & Teaching
Who teaches online lessons?
Qualified teachers deliver our lessons. Many have subject specialisms and experience with online teaching. They use interactive methods, digital tools, and provide both live and recorded sessions, as well as personalised feedback.
Who can benefit from an online school?
An online school suits a wide range of learners, including students who travel frequently, athletes or performers, children with special health needs, those living abroad, and learners who thrive in smaller, more flexible classrooms.
Are GCSEs and A Levels from an online school the same as those from a traditional school?
Yes. As long as the school is accredited and uses recognised exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Cambridge), the qualifications carry the same weight as those earned at traditional schools. Universities and colleges accept them equally.
What happens after I finish GCSEs / A Levels at an online school?
Students who complete GCSEs can progress to A Levels, vocational programmes, or college. A Level graduates can apply to universities in the UK and abroad. Online qualifications are equally valid and widely recognised.
Can I study from abroad with a UK online school?
Yes. Many international students join to access the British curriculum. Lessons can be watched live or recorded to accommodate different time zones, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world.
What's the student-teacher ratio/class size?
Classes at NovaQuest Academy are typically small, with an average of 10 to 15 students per class. This allows teachers to give more personalised support and feedback than in a typical classroom.
Lessons, Schedule & Learning Experience
When does an online school start?
Most online schools follow the UK academic calendar, which starts in September. However, many, including NovaQuest Academy, offer flexible enrolment, allowing students to join at different points during the year.
What's the typical daily schedule in an online school?
Students usually have a mix of live lessons in the morning and independent study or project work in the afternoon. Younger learners have shorter sessions, while older students may follow a timetable similar to traditional schools.
How do lessons and classes run (live, recorded, hybrid)?
Most lessons are live and interactive, but they are also recorded, allowing students to review them later. Some activities, such as projects and concept quizzes, are completed independently at a student’s own pace.
How is student engagement and social interaction handled online?
Students connect in virtual classrooms, group projects, and online clubs. NovaQuest also offers social activities, including clubs, competitions, and digital events, to foster friendships and community. Once a quarter, we meet in person at a different park or library in London.
Assessments & Exams
How do assessments and exams work online?
Assignments, essays, and quizzes are submitted online and marked by teachers. For GCSEs and A Levels, students register with an approved exam centre to sit their final exams in person. NovaQuest guides families through the process.
How do you handle exam centre registration and logistics?
We provide documentation and support for registering with local exam centres. Students attend these centres to take written exams, exactly as traditional students do.
Technology & Resources
What technology do I need to study online?
Students require a computer with a webcam and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a quiet learning environment. Headphones are recommended, and all resources are provided digitally through our learning platform.
What if my internet connection is bad or my device fails?
Since lessons are recorded, students can review them later. If there are ongoing technical issues, we provide offline materials and additional teacher guidance to keep learning on track.
Do I need to buy textbooks or extra materials?
Most resources are included digitally. Some subjects, such as science or art, may require textbooks or basic supplies, but these are usually inexpensive and readily available.
Support & Wellbeing
What support is available (academic, pastoral, SEN)?
NovaQuest Academy offers 1:1 mentoring, office hours with teachers, and pastoral care. Students with special educational needs (SEN) receive tailored support, including adapted resources or specialist help.
How is safeguarding and student welfare handled online?
All staff are trained in safeguarding and online safety. Lessons are monitored, and students have access to pastoral staff for well-being concerns. Parents are also kept informed of policies and updates.
How do parents/guardians monitor progress?
Parents receive regular progress reports and feedback from their teachers. They also have access to an online portal that allows them to track attendance, assignments, and grades.
Can students with special education needs (SEN) attend?
Yes. Online schools are often a good fit for SEN learners, as they provide smaller classes, quieter environments, and personalised support. NovaQuest develops tailored plans to help each student succeed.
Fees & Finance
How much does online school in the UK cost?
The cost varies depending on year group and the number of subjects. On average, UK online schools charge between £5,000 and £15,000 per year for a full programme.
NovaQuest Academy offers flexible payment options, including monthly and termly plans.
Are there any discounts, scholarships, or financial aid available?
Some schools offer sibling discounts or scholarships. At NovaQuest Academy, we offer flexible payment plans and discounts for siblings to support families, and we strive to keep our fees as transparent as possible.