Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pearson Online Academy UK Global?

Pearson Online Academy UK Global is a new online school that is built on the educational philosophy and practices of Pearson Online Academy USA using the same technology which serves over 105,000 students around the world. It is a full-time co-educational school which will deliver a British international curriculum to students aged between 14 and 24* preparing them for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE and International A Level and then onwards to university applications and employment. The school combines rigorous academic study with co-curricular enrichment, all of which is closely guided by specially trained teachers and tutors well versed in the British educational system. Pearson Online Academy UK Global provides your child with an education that you control – ensuring it is high-quality and personalised, enabling you to access it virtually anywhere. Over time, the school plans to expand its provision to include younger age groups.

* Over 18's are in separate classes to students aged 14-18.

Who is Pearson?

Pearson has expertise in educational courseware and assessment, and a range of teaching and learning services powered by technology. As the world’s learning company, Pearson’s mission is to help people make progress in their lives through learning. For more, visit pearson.com.  

Is Pearson Online Academy UK Global legally allowed to operate in every country around the world?

Pearson Online Academy UK Global complies with all UK laws. However, we advise prospective parents to check their particular circumstances with their local authorities.

How will Pearson Online Academy UK Global be assessed by external regulators and inspectors? 

Online schooling is currently outside the remit of the UK’s Department for Education’s approved inspectorate for independent schools, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). However, Pearson Online Academy UK Global complies with ISI guidelines.  

What subjects can I study at Pearson Online Academy UK Global?

Currently, Pearson Online Academy UK Global offers:

• Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs in English Language A, English Literature, Maths A, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business, Computer Science, Geography and French.
• Pearson Edexcel International AS and A Levels in English Language, Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Economics.
• Pearson Edexcel A Level Spanish 

What extracurricular activities can I do at Pearson Online Academy UK Global? 

Beyond their core academic work, our students in our full-time programmes engage in online and offline activities that develop their leadership skills, perfect their English communication, build their relationships and allow them to serve their global and local communities. The extracurricular programme includes sports, the arts, community service and academic enrichment. The activities offered may include a chess club, debating society and student blog – all of which take place online – as well as individually scheduled, offline sport and charitable pursuits. By engaging in this programme, our students work towards the completion of an extracurricular award. This encourages them to look beyond the classroom and supports their all-round education.  

Who will be my teachers at Pearson Online Academy UK Global?

The teachers at Pearson Online Academy UK Global have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and are versed in the British curriculum. Pearson Online Academy UK Global uses rigorous guidelines for recruiting teachers, preparing them to teach online and providing for their continuing professional development, drawing upon expertise acquired across Pearson over two decades of serving students online.

What are International GCSEs?

Pearson Online Academy UK Global prepares their students for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE qualifications, which are globally recognised qualifications with academic content and assessment designed specifically for international learners.

What are International A Levels?

Pearson Online Academy UK Global prepares their students for Pearson Edexcel International A Level qualifications, which are widely recognised by universities in the UK and worldwide, just like A levels. The International A Level qualification allows us to welcome students from across the globe, helping Pearson Online Academy UK Global students build their international networks and develop cultural awareness.

The Pearson Edexcel International A Levels are comparable to UK A levels, as confirmed by The National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom, the national agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide.

The main difference between A levels and International A Levels is that subjects are taught in modules, with examinations at the end of each module, rather than waiting until the end of two years. This means that students have more exam practice, and receive formal feedback earlier on in their studies, so they understand the standard required to reach the final level of achievement they are aiming for.

In addition, with International A Levels, practical skills in science are tested by an exam rather than laboratory work. This means that students who do not have access to a laboratory can still achieve top marks in their science A levels.

What subjects can I study at Pearson Online Academy UK Global?

Currently, Pearson Online Academy UK Global offers:

• Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs in English Language A, English Literature, Maths A, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business, Computer Science, Geography and French.
• Pearson Edexcel International AS and A Levels in English Language, Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Economics.
• Pearson Edexcel A level Spanish 

How do individual International A Levels/International GCSEs and part-time enrolment work?

In addition to its full-time programme, Pearson Online Academy UK Global offers individual International A Level and International GCSE subjects for students wishing to experience high-quality online schooling on a part-time basis. 

Students who are enrolled in a full-time school elsewhere may participate in Pearson Online Academy UK Global ’s individual courses. A full list of courses can be found under our Academic Programme on the website. Each of these courses is designed to prepare students for success in the Pearson Edexcel International A Level/International GCSE exam.

Find out more about our Individual Course Experience.

What equipment and software will students at Pearson Online Academy UK Global require?

To access Pearson Online Academy UK Global's rich resources and to connect with teachers and peers, each student must have a computer with a modern operating system (Windows 10 or later, or Mac OS 10.7 or later) and browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer 11 or newer, Microsoft Edge, or Safari). A broadband Internet connection is also essential. 

Does Pearson Online Academy UK Global offer technical support? 

Pearson Online Academy UK Global maintains a multilingual call centre for technical support, as well as a comprehensive online library of anytime-access help documents and videos for navigation or technical queries.

How will teachers monitor the academic progress of their students?

As Pearson Online Academy UK Global students work through their self-study lessons, their teachers monitor their progress and remain in frequent contact, either to accelerate their learning or to remediate difficulties. A wealth of data is collected as the students complete exercises and engage with the courseware, giving their teachers a real insight into their learning. Pearson Online Academy UK Global teachers also conduct regular sessions, in which students gather online in real-time for targeted instruction. These lessons are a chance for teachers to test their students’ understanding of the self-study material and to bridge any gaps. In addition, students have regular individual consultations with their Success Coach, to discuss their overall academic progress, and to set and monitor goals.

How do parents of Pearson Online Academy UK Global students keep up to date with their children’s learning progress?

At Pearson Online Academy UK Global, the parents of students play a key role and there is frequent interaction between them and their children’s teachers. All parents of students have their own read-only access to the Pearson Online Academy UK Global platform, allowing them to monitor their children’s progress in real time. Parents can see how much time their children are spending on each course, as well as their progression through the learning materials. Formal parents’ meetings also enable parents to discuss their children’s progress with their teachers. 

What are the benefits of online learning?

An online school of high calibre that delivers a British curriculum typically performs highly in two areas that parents prioritise when choosing a school for their children: the quality of its education and the university and career prospects of its students. Online schooling has a number of other unique benefits such as: 

• Convenience and flexibility: Online courses allow students to plan study time around the rest of their day, teaching them how to balance study and work with family and social commitments.
• The promotion of self-discipline: By taking online classes, students develop stronger self-discipline skills, which often translate to other areas of their life.
• Accessibility: The mix of delivery mediums (e.g. visual, auditory) in an online school caters to different learning types. 
• Visibility for parents: As the majority of students attend online lessons from home, parents have unprecedented visibility into their children’s education. 

What does a typical day at Pearson Online Academy UK Global look like?

• live online lessons alongside a teacher and other students
• one-to-one and small group meetings with their teachers
• assembly
• online lessons which they can do at their leisure.

How long does a lesson last?

• International GCSE – 45 minutes
• International A Level – 50 minutes

For one subject, how many classes are there per week?

• International GCSE – Each subject consists of two self-study lessons (except Maths which is three self-study lessons) and two LiveLessons® per week.
• International A Level – Each subject consists of five self-study lessons and three LiveLessons® per week.

How many hours each week would a student attend Pearson Online Academy UK Global?

International GCSE

Each lesson is 45 minutes long which adds up to 3 hours per GCSE per week. In addition, students have homework, tutorials and extracurricular activities. Students therefore will spend the same amount of time per week on Pearson Online Academy UK Global activities as in a brick-and-mortar school.

International A Level

Each lesson is 50 minutes long, which adds up to 6 hours 40 minutes per A level per week. In addition, students have homework, tutorials and extracurricular activities. Students therefore will spend the same amount of time per week on their Pearson Online Academy UK Global activities as in a brick-and-mortar school sixth form. 

Is it possible to fit two years of study at Pearson Online Academy UK Global into one year?

In order to deliver a full and well-rounded education, Pearson Online Academy UK Global does not currently provide this option. All students enrolled at Pearson Online Academy UK Global take International GCSEs at the end of the second year, International AS Levels at the end of their first year in sixth form, and International A Levels at the end of their second.

How do the LiveLessons® work in different time zones?

LiveLessons® are scheduled to be as convenient as possible for students. While one student might be having a LiveLesson® session in the morning, it could be the afternoon for a different student. We encourage students from different countries to study together in the same classes, to maximise the opportunities for learning and interacting in a truly international environment.

Are all the classes interactive or are they lecture-style?

Just like an offline classroom, an online classroom can take many forms, depending on the needs of the lesson. Pearson Online Academy UK Global’s platform allows for a high degree of interactivity, using voice, chat, polling and other functionality. Students can be split into groups and pairs on the platform – whatever is appropriate to the lesson.

Does Pearson Online Academy UK Global supply textbooks?

Yes. Students are issued digital Pearson textbooks for each of the subjects that they take at International GCSE, and International A Level, to be used as a supplementary resource for their online courses.

How can you support students with SEND?

Pearson Online Academy UK Global is an inclusive school which is committed to equal opportunities for all. All students who meet the admissions criteria, including those who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), are warmly welcome. Pearson Online Academy UK Global recognises that it will need to make reasonable adjustments for those students who have SEND or additional learning needs and is committed to understanding and meeting those needs during their time at Pearson Online Academy UK Global. By its nature, online schooling can provide a welcoming environment for students with SEND, as students study from the comfort of their own home with fewer distractions than a traditional classroom. Self-study lessons can be reviewed at a time and pace determined by the student, and all live lessons are recorded and can be watched back if required. Pearson Online Academy UK Global Success Coaches are SEND specialists who can provide support to students with a wide range of needs. The nature of the students’ provision will be tailored by their particular needs and will be determined in consultation with the student and their parents. Provision may include individual lessons, group lessons or accommodations made by teachers in the LiveLessons®. 

How does Pearson Online Academy UK Global care for its students pastorally? 

Each student at Pearson Online Academy UK Global has an online Success Coach to support their academic success and wellbeing, and ensure they participate in a balance of Co-Curricular activities. As part of its pastoral care provision, Pearson Online Academy UK Global supports any student feeling isolated, struggling with personal issues, or demonstrating any other lack of wellbeing, in consultation with the student’s family.

Are students put in classes with other students local to them, so that they can meet them socially?

Pearson Online Academy UK Global encourages students from different countries to study together in the same classes, to maximise the opportunities for learning and interacting in a truly international environment. Pearson Online Academy UK Global is designed in a way that enables students to get to know all other students in their year group, whether they are physically nearby or further away. 

How are students assessed? 

Students sit their Pearson Edexcel International GCSE and International A Level examinations in approved Pearson Edexcel test centres, just like a student in a traditional school.

Where do I take my examinations?

Pearson Online Academy UK Global has partnerships with organisations such as the British Council, enabling all of our students to take their Pearson Edexcel International GCSE, AS and A Level examinations in Edexcel exam centres convenient to where they live. Please contact our Admissions team for more information about where these centres are.

Are mock examinations done at home?

Yes.

How will Pearson Online Academy UK Global prepare students for university and/or career readiness?

Pearson Online Academy UK Global prepares its students for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE and A Level qualifications, which are recognised and accepted by universities and employers worldwide. From their first day at Pearson Online Academy UK Global, students are also coached and counselled by school staff on university selection and career planning. This critical role is predominantly fulfilled by each student's Success Coach, who helps develop academic, personal and social skills through fortnightly one-to-one coaching sessions and small group workshops. Each student's schedule will include support for college and test preparation. 

What are the academic expectations for students?

Pearson Online Academy UK Global aims to ensure that all students perform to their full potential in their Pearson Edexcel International GCSE and A Level examinations, so that they gain admission to top international universities and go on to thrive in their careers. On the understanding that success is driven by high expectations, Pearson Online Academy UK Global seeks to match the success of students with the performance of students at Pearson Online Academy USA.

Will applications from students be considered by international universities? 

Yes. Pearson Online Academy UK Global prepares its students for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE and A Level qualifications, which are recognised and accepted by universities worldwide. For extra verification, universities are already confirming that they will consider applicants from Pearson Online Academy UK Global in the same way as any other applicant.

Will students be able to apply leading international universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge or the Ivy League?

Yes. Just like any other International A Level or US High School Diploma student, students will be able to apply to leading universities around the globe – including Russell Group universities and Oxford and Cambridge in the UK, and leading universities around the world including:

• In the US: Yale, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
• In Australia: All Group of 8 universities (Australian National, Monash, Melbourne, New South Wales, Queensland, Sydney, Western Australia and Adelaide).
• In Canada: Toronto, British Columbia and McGill.
• In Asia: Hong Kong, Tokyo, Chinese University of Science and Technology and the National University of Singapore.

Is Pearson Online Academy UK Global for me?

Pearson Online Academy UK Global is for ambitious young people worldwide aged 14 to 24* who are looking for a high-quality personalised British education that can fit around their lifestyle.  

Students who are highly self-disciplined will thrive at Pearson Online Academy, where students have greater autonomy over their daily schedules than in a traditional school. However, no student will be left behind, with regular contact and monitoring from teachers and Success Coaches to quickly identify and support any student who is struggling.

Applicants will need to have a B2 (CEFR) level of English to complete the courses. In exceptional circumstances, students with a lower level of English may be able to apply, where a bespoke programme to improve their English (to B2 level) is in place.

* Over 18's are in separate classes to students aged 14-18.

What are Pearson Online Academy UK Global term dates?

Pearson Online Academy UK Global operates on the British academic year, with classes beginning in September.

Terms run from September to mid-December, January to early April, and late April to June. Students enrolled on our full-time programme are expected to devote at least 30 hours per week to their Pearson Online Academy UK Global activities, including flexible access to all of their course studies and scheduled timings for live sessions with teachers, tutors and peers. 

Term dates for the Academic Year 2022/2023 here.

What is the application process for Pearson Online Academy UK Global?

Please see our application process here.

How academic do I have to be to apply to Pearson Online Academy UK Global?

Pearson Online Academy UK Global is designed for students with high academic aspirations. In order to be admitted to Pearson Online Academy UK Global, you must be able to demonstrate:

• For International A Level: students should have GCSE/International GCSE grades of 5 and above in the subject(s) you wish to study, or the domestic equivalent
• Suitability for online study: applicants are required to possess skills in self-motivation and self-management
• A good behavioural record.

What level of English proficiency is required?

To fully benefit from Pearson Online Academy UK Global, applicants who are not native speakers of English should demonstrate a level of competence that will enable them to succeed in their studies. We accept the following English language tests at the specified grades:

·       PTE Academic: overall score 58

·       IELTS: Band 5.5

·       TOEFL (IBT): 86

Candidates who have not been able to sit an English language test prior to making an application may request to sit our in-house English test.

Pearson Online Academy UK Global partners with PTE Versant to provide a secure 50-minute English language test that candidates may take. Information for test-takers and practice resources can be found here.

We will offer support classes for students working towards a B2 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) for an additional fee, which will be in combination with their other studies. 

Is there an age restriction for applicants?

We expect most applicants to be 14 years old by the time they start International GCSEs at Pearson Online Academy UK Global, or 16 when they start International A Levels. However, applications from younger applicants who are particularly gifted and meet Pearson Online Academy UK Global’s entrance requirements will be considered.

Is there an upper age limit?

The upper age limit is 24 years old upon entry to the school.

Can I apply mid-GCSEs or A levels or start mid-term/year?

Yes, in select circumstances.

Pearson Online Academy UK Global can enrol students into Year 11 or Year 13 only if they are applying from an existing International GCSE or International A Level programme. Those applying from a non International GCSE / International A Level curriculum will be recommended to apply for a space in Year 10 or Year 12 instead.

Student may join Year 10 or Year 12 during the middle of the school year, subject to space availability and individual academic assessment. 

Are you able to accommodate applicants with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)?

By its nature, online schooling can provide a welcoming environment for students with SEND, as students study from the comfort of their own home with fewer distractions than a traditional classroom. All students who meet the admissions criteria, including those who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other special educational needs and disabilities, are warmly welcomed.  Pearson Online Academy UK Global recognises that it will need to make reasonable adjustments for those students who have SEND, or additional learning needs, and is committed to understanding and meeting those needs during their time at Pearson Online Academy UK Global.

Do you charge a registration fee?

From January 2022 there will be a £100 registration fee payable on application.

When is payment of the tuition fees due?

All outstanding fees for a term must be paid in full before the start of each term.

How much is the entry deposit?

The entry deposit is set at £500* and is due within 30 days of the offer being made, or the start of the academic term, whichever comes first. Student places can only be held upon payment of the deposit.

How do I pay the fees?

The school office will issue an invoice for each payment, confirming the amount, the due date and the payment reference. 

Does the tuition fee include the entrance costs for my examinations?

No. The entrance costs for all of your International GCSE, AS and A Level examinations will be additional and is £600* per year for the bolt on. 

Are there any other additional fees beside the exam entry costs?

No. All teaching, materials, examinations and standard extra-curricular courses are included in your termly fee. We are always looking to provide our students with additional opportunities and, where appropriate, these may be offered to you/your child for an additional fee, but would always be optional.

Do you offer any scholarships and bursaries? 

We are currently investigating our scholarship and bursary provision for future enrolments.

If I were to start at Pearson Online Academy UK Global but then not enjoy it, would I get a full refund?

All of our teaching staff are dedicated to ensuring that you have an enjoyable, and academically successful, time at Pearson Online Academy UK Global. But if you do decide that you want to change to a different school, then you would forfeit the balance of payment for that term. 

* All fees include VAT where applicable.