How easy is it to study A Levels online?

[Goldistheanswer]

My DC has significant health problems which may make it hard for them to attend sixth form. We’re trying to weigh up various options to give DC some hope that they can still study A Levels but perhaps online will be best way. Does anyone have advice for how this may work? DC does have an EHCP so the LA would be involved in ensuring the right support and access to learning is provided. I’m just wondering how we choose the best online provider to support DC’s needs.

Try to go for an online 'school' that has actual online group lessons and a timetable rather than studying alone, that will help to give your DC a sense of belonging and also usually provides other things outside of their academic subjects such as tutor group sessions, wellbeing, social activities etc. Your local LA should already have a relationship with specific online providers that they will prefer to use which, if you agree to use one of them, should also make it easier for you to get.

NISAI seemed like a good one, my LA had them on their list already and it was also popular with Facebook groups for kids out of school. We had a demo session with them and we were impressed but my DD ended up studying with Red Balloon of the Air who were fantastic, but mainly focused with kids who have been through trauma or bullying (as they also provide therapy as part of their package), but NISAI would have been the second option if we didn't get that.

www.nisai.com/the-nisai-offer/nisai-learning/

It usually works by staying on roll at a physical school where your DC will take the exams, but all the lessons would be provided by the online school as EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School). We did have to put up quite a fight to get it though (got our MP involved in the end), but it was worth it.

Thanks for replying. Did your DC have an EHCP? I know of Red Balloon of the Air but they don’t offer A levels. So basically, if I’ve understood your post correctly, my DC needs to be given a 6th form place so they can take exams there but the actual teaching would be done by an online provider?

Yes she has an EHCP, she studied her GCSEs at rbair while staying on roll at her old school, it was stated as a dual registration in her EHCP. We were looking at NISAI for her alevels, but she decided instead to do a vocational course at a local college so never got through the full process for that. I assumed she would have stayed on roll at her school as they have a 6th form but not sure unfortunately. NISAI should be able to tell you what their normal arrangements are, they do have a physical location too so your DC may be able to go on roll there.

Thanks, that’s really helpful.

You could look at Wolsey Hall, which offer A levels.