Many families’ first experience of online learning came during the pandemic, when schools had to switch to remote teaching almost overnight. Those early lessons were often challenging, with large classes, limited interaction, and little time to prepare.
It’s no surprise that “online school” still carries misconceptions. But dedicated, online schools like Nisai Learning are a world apart from emergency remote teaching. In fact Nisai Learning had been teaching online almost 2 decades before the pandemic struck. We combine the structure of the British curriculum with small classes, experienced teachers, and strong pastoral support.
This guide tackles 20 of the most common myths and misconceptions about online schooling, separating fact from fiction and showing what a genuine online education really looks like.
1. “Online schools are just like lockdown lessons during Covid.”
This is one of the biggest misconceptions. Pandemic learning was reactive, teachers trying to deliver in-person lessons through a webcam.
In contrast, Nisai’s approach was built for online delivery from the start. Our classes are small, interactive, and led by teachers specifically trained in online education. We use digital tools such as quizzes, breakout rooms, and shared whiteboards to make lessons engaging and purposeful.
2. “Students just watch videos and teach themselves.”
Nisai is a live, teacher-led online school, not a self-study platform. Students attend timetabled lessons, participate in discussions, and receive personalised feedback.
Each learner has access to teachers, mentors, and wellbeing staff, ensuring they are supported in every aspect of their education.
3. “Online lessons aren’t interactive or engaging.”
Far from being passive, Nisai lessons are designed to be active and collaborative. Teachers encourage participation through polls, group projects, and real-time Q&A. Students can ask questions, share ideas, and interact with peers, just as they would in a physical classroom.
4. “Teachers can’t build real relationships with students online.”
Smaller class sizes mean teachers actually get to know students better. At Nisai, learners have the option to access one-to-one mentoring. These personal connections build trust, confidence, and motivation. Teachers understand each student’s strengths and challenges, supporting both academic and emotional growth.
5. “It’s impossible to manage behaviour or engagement online.”
Because classes are smaller and more focused, behaviour management online is often easier than in large traditional classrooms. Teachers establish clear expectations and positive routines. Students who may have struggled to focus in busy, noisy environments often find it easier to concentrate in Nisai’s calm, structured virtual classrooms.
6. “Online schooling is isolating.”
This is one of the most common misconceptions. At Nisai, community is built into everything we do. Students take part in form groups, online clubs, and house competitions. They collaborate in group projects and often form real friendships, many even meet up in person through local activities or events. Parents are part of this community too, with parent evenings, progress updates, and communication through our secure portal.
7. “Students don’t learn social or communication skills online.”
Online schooling develops communication in a different but equally powerful way. Through discussion boards, breakout sessions, and virtual teamwork, students learn to express ideas clearly, listen to others, and collaborate respectfully. These skills prepare them for higher education and a world that increasingly relies on digital communication.
8. “There’s no pastoral care or wellbeing support online.”
At Nisai, wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Our dedicated Student Wellbeing team provides emotional support, wellbeing check-ins, and safe spaces for students to talk about how they feel. We also train all staff in safeguarding and mental health awareness. Every student is known personally, ensuring no one feels overlooked or unsupported.
9. “Teachers can’t spot when a student is struggling.”
In smaller classes, teachers notice changes in engagement quickly. Whether it’s missed lessons, quieter participation, or late work, our staff reach out early to offer support. Wellbeing staff and mentors then follow up with care and practical strategies, helping students regain confidence before small problems become big ones.
10. “Online schools can’t help students who find it hard to attend mainstream school.”
Many of our students join Nisai because they’ve struggled with attendance, anxiety, or busy classroom environments. Our calm, structured approach allows them to re-engage with learning at a pace that suits them. Flexible scheduling, mentoring, and small group support help these learners rebuild confidence and make consistent progress.
11. “Online schools aren’t properly accredited.”
Nisai delivers a fully accredited British curriculum, recognised by awarding bodies such as IQM, Pearson and Cambridge International. Nisai is also Section 41 approved by the Department for Education. Students study the same subjects and achieve the same qualifications as those in traditional schools. You can learn more about our approach and the Nisai Curriculum.
12. “Students can’t get into university with online school qualifications.”
Our students successfully progress to sixth forms, colleges, and universities in the UK and abroad. Universities recognise Nisai’s qualifications as equivalent to those earned in physical schools, giving learners access to the same academic pathways and future opportunities. Recent Nisai alumni have gone onto study at UCL, Exeter, York, Manchester, Leeds, Sussex, Birmingham and Nottingham to name a few.
13. “Online schools can’t support SEND or EHCP students.”
This is one of the biggest myths we encounter, and one we’re proud to dispel. Nisai has extensive experience supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). We provide small class sizes, structured routines, assistive technology, and teaching that adapts to each learner’s needs. On average, over the last seven years, 86% of our students had some form of learning barriers with 59% having multiple barriers. 96% of our students have gone on to further education or employment.
14. “There’s no extra help for students who fall behind.”
Nisai offers academic mentoring and targeted interventions. Teachers regularly assess progress and create personalised support plans when extra help is needed. Students are never left to struggle alone, they receive the guidance they need to catch up and succeed.
15. “Online learning doesn’t prepare students for exams.”
Our live lessons follow exam board specifications, and students sit mock exams and practice papers just like their peers in traditional schools. Teachers cover exam technique, revision planning, and assessment feedback to ensure learners are fully prepared and confident when sitting formal exams.
16. “Parents have to teach everything themselves.”
In a genuine online school, parents are partners, not teachers. All lessons are delivered by qualified Nisai teachers. Parents receive updates, attend parent evenings, and can monitor progress through our secure parent portal, but the teaching is handled entirely by professionals.
17. “Students sit at a screen all day.”
Our timetable is balanced with breaks, wellbeing activities, and offline study time. Students complete projects, read independently, and take part in physical activities. Healthy screen habits and digital wellbeing are part of our curriculum.
18. “Online schools can’t support international students.”
Nisai provides a recognised British curriculum online, allowing international students to study from anywhere in the world. Our flexible scheduling and inclusive teaching approach make learning accessible across time zones while maintaining the same academic standards.
19. “Parents can’t track progress in an online school.”
Parents and carers have full visibility of attendance, homework, and academic reports through Nisai’s management platform. Regular updates and meetings ensure families remain informed and engaged with their child’s development.
20. “Online schooling limits personal growth and real-world experiences.”
Nisai encourages leadership, creativity, and community involvement. Students take on leadership roles, join clubs, contribute to projects linked to global themes, and attend in-person events. Our mentoring programme, available both online and face to face, helps students develop confidence, independence, and resilience that carry into every area of life. We offer programmes such as the Nisai Passport to Work, designed to equip students with the confidence, skills, and knowledge needed to succeed in the world of work.
Get in Touch for More Online Schooling Advice
Online schooling today is not an emergency fix, it’s a modern, structured, and inclusive model of education. At Nisai, we combine accredited academics, small-group teaching, and exceptional pastoral care to create a truly holistic environment for learning.
Our students don’t just achieve qualifications; they gain confidence, independence, and a strong sense of belonging. Ready to see what modern online schooling really looks like?
Learn more about Nisai’s Online School, and explore how we support students through SEND and EHCPs, NPDI, and N-HELPP.
Get in touch now for more advice, and speak to a member of our expert team to get the answers to your online schooling questions.
