Trust & Information

Questions parents actually ask

Straight answers. Where something is still developing, we say so — we don't pretend otherwise.

1 Is this a full-time school?

Yes. The Online Private School within the Neurogenetics Academy provides structured full-time education from KS1 through A-Level: live teaching on a timetable, recorded lessons, marked homework, adaptive practice through Synapse, and parent reporting. It is not a course platform or a tutoring agency — it is a school, delivered online.

2 What ages and stages do you teach?

KS1 (ages 5–7), KS2 (ages 7–11), KS3 (ages 11–14), GCSE/IGCSE (ages 14–16) and A-Level (ages 16–18). Every stage has its own curriculum, timetable and specialist teachers.

3 What curriculum and qualifications do you offer?

KS1–KS3 follow the UK national curriculum. At GCSE/IGCSE, teaching is aligned to the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE specification. A-Level provision covers the sciences and mathematics.

We teach the Edexcel specification — this does not mean we are an Edexcel-accredited school or examination centre. Students sit exams as private candidates at external examination centres, and the Academy supports families through that process. Full detail on our School & Examination Information page.

4 How large are the live classes?

Classes are deliberately capped at 10 students for KS1–GCSE, and 8 students for A-Level seminars. Teachers know every student individually, mark their work personally, and respond to gaps as they appear.

5 Are the lessons live or recorded?

Both. Lessons are taught live on a fixed timetable (Google Meet), and every lesson is recorded. Recordings are available in the student's portal for the rest of their enrolment — so illness, travel or a difficult week never means falling behind.

6 How does the timetable work?

GCSE/IGCSE students follow a full school day (8:30–4:00) with daily live classes across every subject. Younger stages have age-appropriate schedules with interactive sessions and shorter blocks. The full timetable is available to enrolled families.

7 How are examinations arranged?

Students are entered as private candidates through external examination centres. The Academy handles the teaching, past-paper preparation, marking and predicted grades; the examination centre handles the actual sitting under the board's rules. We help families identify and register with a suitable centre for their location.

We are transparent about this because precision matters: the Academy is not itself an examination centre, and we never claim to be.

8 Who teaches the students?

Subject specialists who each hold a degree in their subject, a teaching qualification (QTS/PGCE or equivalent), an in-date enhanced DBS check, and a minimum of five years' classroom experience — then pass our four-stage selection and training before meeting a live class. Full detail on the Academic Team page.

The teaching team is intentionally small. We hire few, and we would rather leave a position unfilled than lower the bar.

9 How does the Parent Dashboard work?

Parents get their own login with visibility into their child's attendance, homework completion, Synapse practice scores, teacher feedback and progress reports. You see what the teachers see — not a monthly summary, but live access.

10 Can my child try the school before we commit?

Yes. Every family starts with a £10 live-class taster: your child attends a real lesson, meets the teacher, and uses the learning platform. If you enrol, the £10 comes straight back. If you don't, you've spent £10 to know.

11 What are the fees?

Published openly on the Academy page — no "contact us for pricing." Monthly from £495 (KS1) to £850 (A-Level), with annual options at 10% off. The Institute Library and Synapse practice are included free with every enrolment. A £10 taster is available before any commitment.

12 What happens after I enquire?

You'll hear from us within one working day. We'll discuss your child's stage, subjects and learning profile; arrange the £10 taster if you want one; and walk you through the exam pathway for your situation. No pressure, no obligation — the taster exists so you can judge the real thing.

Prefer to explore independently first? Take the free Brain Profile Assessment (5 minutes) or browse the Library to see the quality of our educational materials.