Home pupils to learn via Net at 'virtual school'

12 April 2012

The first government-funded "virtual school", with lessons streamed via the internet to pupils at home, could open next year.

Up to 450 students could join the secondary, which would be based in Ealing, Slough or Windsor. It would be a free school and would take children who are currently educated at home.

If Education Secretary Michael Gove approves the business plan it could open in September 2012.

John Edwards, principal of Periplus Home Education, which would run the school, said: "There are 80,000 home-educated students with no government support. Parents do a fantastic job but many pay for education online or tutors."

Teachers, hired in the same way as at mainstream schools, would deliver lessons from a main building. Students would be able to see them, but teachers would not see the children and classmates would not see each other.

Pupils would need a computer and broadband connection, but everything else would be provided by the school. An adult would have to be in the house while lessons are in progress.

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