The top 10 benefits of online learning, according to parents 

At King’s InterHigh, we’re constantly moved by the stories parents and students share. These are stories of growth, confidence, relief, and ambition. It’s these personal journeys that inspire us to keep innovating and to continue creating a school environment that fits around life, not the other way round.

So, drawing from dozens of real conversations with families across the globe, here are the top 10 benefits they’ve experienced through online learning with King’s InterHigh.

1. Flexibility to fit around life

One of the biggest reasons families choose online learning is flexibility. For children training in competitive sport, involved in the arts or entertainment, or pursuing unique passions, the ability to study around their commitments is life changing.

Brothers Bastian and Cole Fuentes (who have starred in major studio films, lent their voices to animated features, and led performances in high-profile productions) are a testament to this.

“I went from maybe an hour of relaxation a day to actually being able to be a human being,” says Cole. “My grades didn’t drop; they actually went up, because I was so much happier and had time to focus on the way I wanted to learn.”

Their mum, Heidi, echoed how transformative online education has been for her children, encouraging other parents to stay open to alternative approaches to learning:
“I just let them be where they want to be. It’s more than just letting them be themselves, but also letting them follow their own path, which I don’t think you can do in a public school because it’s so rigid.”

Parents of our young athletes share the same view. Professional karting racer Timo Jungling has accelerated into competing at the highest levels of junior motorsport, and the flexibility that online learning with King’s InterHigh provides has helped him get there.

“Quite frankly, a physical school can be prohibitive in a child developing their sporting talents, and that made it very stressful in trying to balance competing interests,” shared Michael, his dad.

With online school, there’s no rushing from one place to another, no work piling up after long absences, and no sacrificing academic progress for other dreams. Learning flexibly gives students the time and energy to commit fully to everything they care about.

2. Personalised learning paths and varied subjects

Every child learns differently. Some race ahead in certain subjects, while others need more time and space to get to grips with complex topics. Online learning offers the chance to adapt each student’s educational journey to their own pace, interests, and goals.

Georgia’s mother, Jo, spoke of how her daughter flourished when given this freedom: “She took creative media last year, which she absolutely loved. It was her choice, and she really thrived in it.”

For Grace, who studies Psychology, English Language, and English Literature at A Level, choosing subjects came down to identifying what she truly enjoyed. “The most important factor is your passion. What do you enjoy? Finding out what your passion subject is,” she explained.

Beyond passion, she also highlighted the importance of teachers who care: “The teacher has such an important and passionate role because the teacher connects the student with the subject.” At King’s InterHigh, we choose our educators not only for their expertise and experience, but also for their dedication to helping young people thrive.

Rather than being boxed into one-size-fits-all teaching, online school students can explore their curiosities, study at the level that suits them, and shape a curriculum that excites them. This autonomy builds confidence, self-awareness, and a deeper love of learning.

3. A safe space for mental health

For some young people, traditional school environments can feel overwhelming. Crowded corridors, social pressures, and constant noise can trigger or worsen anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. In cases like these, learning from home can offer a much-needed reprieve.

Dean, a King’s InterHigh parent, explained, “[Mainstream] senior school is quite a busy place. They haven’t always necessarily got the resources and time to put aside to understand kids who have got slightly different needs.” When his son Roland began experiencing persistent bullying at school and the situation became critical, the family decided they had to take control.

A King’s InterHigh mum, Joanne, told us how her daughter transformed after making the switch: “When we started, she was at her lowest mentally, with panic attacks that she’d never had before and were very frightening. Now, she’s the happiest and most confident she’s ever been.”

With space to breathe and learn in comfort, many students find their anxiety softens. They begin to participate more, rediscover joy in learning, and rebuild their sense of self. For these families, the difference can be nothing short of transformational.

Our student, Grace, had her fair share of challenges in traditional education, so studying at King’s InterHigh has been a breath of fresh air. “King’s InterHigh has been lifesaving for me,” she said. “I started in public school with many distractions. I didn’t care about my education before.” Since moving to King’s InterHigh, everything has changed for Grace. She told us, “It has been four years now, and I’m still enjoying it, still thriving, and there’s just no pressure.”

4. A global community of like-minded learners

Online learning doesn’t mean learning alone. In fact, many King’s InterHigh students find a stronger sense of belonging here than they did in previous schools. With families from over 100 countries, our community is truly global, and that diversity is celebrated.

As our student Cole shared, “the relationships I’ve built since leaving mainstream school are a lot more meaningful. These aren’t people I’ve just been stuck in a classroom with — they’re people I’ve chosen to connect with. I share interests with them. The quality of the friendships is better.”

Students connect in online clubs, group projects, discussions, and live lessons. They share perspectives, make international friendships, and learn to collaborate across cultures. It’s an education in global citizenship that goes far beyond the textbook.

5. Technology that brings learning to life

At King’s InterHigh, technology isn’t just a tool — it’s a doorway into richer, more engaging learning. From interactive science simulations to virtual reality history trips, tech is used thoughtfully to deepen understanding and spark interest. Anthony Peters, Head of Educational Technology, explains, “Using technology, we can enhance both engagement and attainment so that we don’t just match the physical school environment — we offer something even more dynamic.”

Students can revisit recorded lessons, use digital whiteboards to brainstorm ideas, and join virtual breakout rooms for group discussions. These experiences give learners more agency, more interaction, and more ways to connect with what they’re studying.

Plus, at King’s InterHigh, we also guide our students to develop their digital literacy skills, so they can continue making the most of technology in their future lives. “The life skills classes, what you’re teaching kids in terms of how to ethically interact with AI and how to safely interact online,” said Berik’s mum Karla when we spoke to her, “these are the issues that are impacting this generation so quickly, and at a pace that parents are not prepared for. I am so impressed and think that he’s really getting a competitive advantage in life — not just an education.”

6. Parents as partners in learning

Many parents tell us they feel more involved in their child’s education than ever since joining King’s InterHigh. With access to learning platforms, progress tracking, and regular feedback, families become true partners in the learning journey on their terms.

“The difference with King’s InterHigh is that I don’t have to perform the role of home tutor. There are teachers who guide her on everything she needs to do. I’m in the role of a supportive parent,” shares Heather, mum of King’s InterHigh student, Caitlin.

In particular, Heather finds the to-do list in our user-friendly, personalised Student Hub most useful, along with the regular emails she gets from teachers updating her on Caitlin’s areas for improvement and achievements. Our platforms make it easy for her to track her daughter’s progress, congratulate her on successes, and back up the reinforcement of our education team.

This level of visibility helps parents offer encouragement, spot when their child needs support, and celebrate milestones. It builds a more profound sense of trust and collaboration between school and home.

7. Academic independence and self-motivation

Studying online helps students take ownership of their learning, a skill that stays with them for life. From planning their days to managing deadlines, they develop maturity, self-discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility.

As mother of two Mrs. Kanagasabai noted, “Since joining King’s InterHigh, my children have become independent learners. They don’t depend on me for help any more. They can research by themselves and present what they’ve learned directly to their teachers.”

Rather than being passively led through each subject, students become active participants in their education, which serves them well in further study, the workplace, and beyond. Mrs. Kanagasabai’s sons, for example, have learned how to apply what they’ve studied in one subject (such as coding in computer science) to a wide range of different fields (such as the arts).

8. Stability for families on the move

For families who relocate frequently — whether due to work, military service, or nomad lifestyles — maintaining a consistent education can be challenging. At King’s InterHigh, however, students can continue their learning uninterrupted, no matter where in the world they are.

Mum Sharmila’s family frequently travels around Mexico and the US, having recently made the move from California to Oaxaca. Her two children study at King’s InterHigh, and “not missing school when we travel and being able to do what we want to do right now” is a benefit she can’t overstate.

With live lessons across three time zones (UK, Middle East, and Southeast Asia) and resources available around the clock, students can learn from anywhere, without ever feeling like they are falling behind.

9. Tailored support for Special Educational Needs

The right support can unlock potential and boost wellbeing for children with special educational needs. At King’s InterHigh, that support is built in with teachers trained to adapt lessons, dedicated SEN specialists available for extra help, and a truly inclusive learning environment.

Smaller class sizes, tech features like speech-to-text, and our innovative Individual Teaching Plans (ITPs) help each child learn in a way that feels comfortable to them, so they can slowly boost their confidence and become more engaged.

Our student Omari McQueen and his mum also shared that the support from teachers is a gamechanger. “They understand that I have dyslexia,” he explains, and he’s able to keep in close contact with them for help and guidance even when he’s too busy to attend his lessons live. “I’m able to message them to ask exactly what they want me to do for a task,” says Omari, “and they’ll explain everything.”

10. High-quality British curriculum

Accessing a recognised and robust education can be difficult for many families outside of the United Kingdom, especially if local options don’t align with a child’s future plans. King’s InterHigh follows the full British curriculum, with qualifications like GCSEs and A Levels (as well as the choice of the IB Diploma Programme) that open doors around the world.

Gabriel and Catarina‘s parents say, “Unlike Vietnam’s test-heavy system, King’s InterHigh emphasises daily tasks and assignments, allowing children to explore creativity and develop skills. The UK-based classes help them adapt to British accents and culture seamlessly.” For families living abroad, this consistency offers reassurance and stability, helping children remain academically rooted, no matter where life takes them.

Could online learning be for you?

Online learning at King’s InterHigh is, for many families, the best solution to providing children with a high-quality, flexible education. Whether your child is a budding athlete, a quiet thinker, a future scientist, or someone who simply needs a different pace, there’s a place for them here. And, just as importantly, there’s a whole community ready to walk alongside them.