One of the smaller, more personal online schools – and definitely the most flexible. Well established too. But less social – so be prepared to supplement the social side of your child’s life outside school. ‘Fine with me, he has enough screen time,’ said one parent.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 112 ·
- Religion
- Anglican
- Fees
- £2,787 - £5,103 pa
- Local authority
- Cambridgeshire County Council
Headteacher
Director
Susan Reed
Since 2013, Susan Reed MA PGCE. Upbeat and easy-going, but don’t be fooled – she is highly efficient. Far more involvement with both parents and students than most online school directors – parents say ‘you can always email her about anything’ and
Unlock this review instantly
Learn what pupils and parents really think of this school, along with our expert opinion on the headteacher’s leadership style, the school’s academic results and facilities, the focus on pastoral care, and the range of extra-curricular activities.
Entrance
Most register around April to join in the September of years 5 to 10. Very occasional joiners into year 11 (they’d just taken one such pupil when we reviewed the school, but they took a good few weeks to check the candidate would genuinely be able to
- Open days
- Families interested in joining Net School may contact the office at any time to arrange a conversation and online tour.
Exit
The vast majority of students complete their school year, then either seamlessly move into the next one or go back into mainstream school, college, university or employment. ‘My son is in college doing his A levels, thanks to what Net School did for
Latest results
In 2025, 60 per cent 9-7 at IGCSE. In 2024, 72 per cent 9-7 at IGCSE. No A level students in 2024 or 2025.
Teaching & learning
Consistently strong results and far more flexibility than at most online schools, with a pick-n-mix approach to its broad curriculum. So, for years 5 and 6, you can buy any number of these subjects: English, maths, science and humanities (six hours
Learning support & SEN
Nearly half (49 per cent) of students have some form of SEN – dyslexia, ADHD, autism, selective mutism, SEMH – including five EHCPs. Many find the jump from a big, busy bricks-and-mortar school to this small online school like night and day. ‘I can
Arts & extracurricular
Nada by way of curriculum lessons for art, drama and music – something that some other online schools have found innovative ways around. But Net School does run a variety of clubs, all new since our last review.
The art club is popular, covering
Sport
Again, an area which students focus on away from their screens and usually outside. Most parents told us their children belong to local sports clubs, gyms etc – which often double up as a key social opportunity.
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 2013 with 45 students and a handful of IGCSE courses. Grew organically until Covid, then practically burst at the seams with popularity, but has since settled back down to around 100 students. No HQ – everyone works remotely.
Not the
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
This is a small school where the dedicated staff really know the students, so if they’re having an off day or something’s more generally amiss, it’s noticed, with any concerns logged and discussed. Head of pastoral (not all online schools even have
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Net School is a fully online school where students work from their home location, so we do not place controls on mobile phone use. However, we respectfully ask students to be focused on their studies during live class time.
Pupils & parents
Families from four main camps. First, the traditional home educators – parents who choose home schooling as a lifestyle choice, perhaps because they see mainstream schools as sausage factories or maybe they travel a lot. Next up are those with
Money matters
Key Stage 2 works out at £2787 per year for six hours a week. Key Stage 3 works out at £4410 per year for 10 hours a week – with the option to add or reduce subjects. For five IGCSEs, the cost is £5347 per year – and again, you can do more or less.
- Fee information
- £2,787 - £5,103 pa
The last word
One of the smaller, more personal online schools – and definitely the most flexible. Well established too. But less social – so be prepared to supplement the social side of your child’s life outside school. ‘Fine with me, he has enough screen time,’