Inter High

[stardust40]

Hi all,
Dd13 is currently going through massive school anxiety and we are looking at ways to help. We've come across inter high online as an option but would like to hear from real people who've tried it and if the kids actually get a good education from it . Thanks

Hi, my DC is at Interhigh. We are impressed with what they do, and come from a very highly performing school.
They seem engaged (most of the time!) and the work is clearly defined and seems appropriate for the year group. That said because of the nature of the school, you can move up or down a year to suit the student’s level in particular subject.
We do get tech hiccups sometimes ( you can go back to lessons, as all are recorded though) and I’m not claiming perfection- there is more they could do. On the social side the ball will be entirely in your court. Many of the virtual clubs are oversubscribed.
All the children are treated gently so you will have to crack the whip yourself if you don’t think they are giving it all they could.
Interhigh get stick for telling the LA that your child is learning with them - many in HE don’t like this.
They are also criticised for their “lead” classes - which are delivered lecture style in large groups where there is not much interaction. It is worth noting that this is very much their style and that they are followed up by more interactive classes in smaller groups where the children can get more information, ask questions and practice - suits some more than others - mine likes it.
Finally many don’t like the contract based agreements.You commit to pay for a half term at minimum, there are also slightly cheaper plans where you commit for longer.
Read the terms carefully- it’s all pretty up front as far as I can see, but be careful that assumptions don’t trip you up. I believe that once you start the exam courses the minimum term is longer too. It is essentially a private school as far as contracts go ( though with much shorter notice periods), so if you are more used to the state sector that side of it can be a culture shock.
They have their own exam centre which is a big plus ( if you can go to Wales ) and you can see all your DC’s grades and feedback as they go along.
My DC says the kids are very accepting and kind, but so far not that much in the way of being social - a few Amoing Us games here and there is all.

Thanks so much for the review! This is a first look into online schooling and indeed anything out of the state sector! I'm also looking at my online schooling and it's just so hard to know where is best! As parents we both work so whichever we choose it needs to be fairly comprehensive as our daughter will need to access fairly independently. She is quite an academic child so in terms of learning it wouldn't be a problem.

I would use my online schooling or Wolsey Hall. Interhigh think they are an actual school and report to LA’s if a child joins, leaves or is “absent” for five days without a good reason.

If you can’t supervise and the child needs it, then it might not be the best option. Really depends on the child’s willingness to keep on top of things in that case. I don’t disagree at all with the review that said they try to be a school (Also assemblies, tutor time etc as well as reporting to LA) so fair comment. This approach doesn’t suit everyone - it totally depends on what you want from the provider.