Enrolling a child in an online school is typically a straightforward process that can be completed remotely from anywhere in the world. It usually involves an initial enquiry, a conversation with the admissions team about the right curriculum and format, a placement assessment to confirm the correct year group and identify any gaps, submission of documents, and onboarding to the learning platform. Because online schools generally accept enrolments throughout the year, families are not restricted to fixed start dates.

This guide walks through what to expect when enrolling, and how to prepare for a smooth start.

Step 1: Make an initial enquiry

The process begins with an enquiry to the admissions team. This is the point to ask questions, understand the curriculum and format options, and discuss your child's specific circumstances — current school, year group, any learning needs, and what is prompting the move to online school.

A good admissions team will help you understand whether online school is the right fit before any commitment, and which curriculum pathway and format would suit your child. Contact the Teneo admissions team to begin, or read the enrolment guide for the full process.

Step 2: Choose the right curriculum and year group

For families choosing the British International pathway, the next step is confirming the right entry point. Teneo's British International programme runs from Year 8 to Year 9, covering the International GCSE and AS Levels.

The admissions team helps map your child's current academic level to the right year group and — for students entering at International GCSE or AS Level — helps with subject selection aligned to university goals. Explore the full British International pathway to understand the progression.

Step 3: Choose your format

Families choose between the hybrid format (scheduled live lessons plus pre-recorded coursework) and the recorded format (pre-recorded lessons watched at a chosen time). Both follow the same curriculum and lead to the same qualifications. The admissions team can advise on which suits your child's learning style and schedule. Read how the two formats work.

Step 4: Complete a placement assessment

Most online schools conduct a placement assessment to confirm the student is entering at the right level and to identify any gaps from their previous school. This is an important step — accurate placement means the student starts where they should and any catch-up needs are identified and planned from the outset rather than discovered later.

Take this step seriously and be transparent about your child's current level and any challenges. The more accurate the placement, the smoother the start.

Step 5: Submit documents

Enrolment typically requires some documentation — usually identification, recent school reports, and any relevant learning or medical assessments. Online schools generally do not create accounts or process sensitive payment details on a family's behalf — these steps are completed by the family directly to protect security.

Step 6: Onboard to the learning platform

Once enrolled, the student is onboarded to the learning platform. This involves familiarisation with the timetable, the lesson formats, the teachers, and how to navigate the platform. A structured onboarding period helps the student settle into the routine before the academic work begins in earnest.

Before the first day, make sure the technology is ready — a suitable device, tested webcam and microphone, and a reliable internet connection. The real school day page explains what the daily experience involves so you can prepare your child.

Starting at any time of year

One of the practical advantages of online school is that families are typically not restricted to fixed start dates. Online schools generally accept enrolments throughout the year, with fees pro-rated for students joining partway through a term. This means a family that decides mid-year to make the switch does not have to wait until the following September. Read the enrolment guide for details on start dates and the process.

Frequently asked questions about enrolling in online school

Can my child start mid-year? Yes. Online schools typically accept enrolments throughout the year, with fees prorated for the remainder of the term.

What documents do I need to enrol? Typically, identification, recent school reports, and any relevant learning or medical assessments. The admissions team will confirm exactly what is needed.

How does the placement assessment work? A placement assessment confirms the student is entering at the right year group and identifies any gaps from their previous school, so catch-up can be planned from the start. It is a standard part of the enrolment process.

How long does enrolment take? The process from enquiry to starting can be completed relatively quickly, particularly as it is done remotely. Contact the admissions team to understand the timeline for your situation.

To begin the enrolment process, read the enrolment guide, explore the British International programme, or contact the admissions team.