Benbridge Academy Online School Avis 

Moving our children to online learning was a huge decision for our family, particularly as we have three children at very different stages of their education with very different needs. Naturally, we were nervous about making such a significant change.

From the very beginning, Emma made us feel supported and reassured. The care, attention and communication have been outstanding. Each of our children has been treated as an individual, with their learning tailored to their needs, and we have always felt that their wellbeing is just as important as their academic progress.

What we thought might be a challenging transition to online learning has turned into a genuinely positive experience. The teachers are engaging, supportive and approachable, and our children have thrived in an environment where they feel valued and encouraged.

Living overseas, we were looking for an alternative to the local options available to us, and Benbridge Academy has exceeded our expectations. It is clear that the children are at the heart of everything they do, and that personal approach has made all the difference.

I would highly recommend Benbridge Academy to any family living overseas who are looking for a high-quality British education with exceptional pastoral care and support. We couldn't be happier with our decision.

While we’ve only been with Benbridge for a short time, the experience has been extremely positive and, most importantly, Lucy is genuinely enjoying the lessons.

For Lucy, it wasn’t the learning itself that was the challenge. She found the mainstream secondary environment increasingly noisy, busy and overwhelming, it was the environment rather than the education that was getting in the way. Benbridge has given her the opportunity to focus on learning again in a calmer setting that suits her much better.

What has stood out most is the flexibility. Benbridge have taken the time to look at Lucy as an individual and place her in classes that match her ability rather than simply her age or year group, which has been a real game changer. The flexibility around when directed study tasks can be completed has also been incredibly helpful, allowing her to fit learning around other commitments during the week.

The lessons are engaging and interactive. Lucy particularly enjoys the breakout rooms where students can discuss ideas together, and she loves the use of Lumio in Maths. The immediate feedback from the teacher means any misconceptions are quickly picked up and addressed straight away, which she finds really helpful. We’ve also been impressed by the feedback on assignments, which is always encouraging and constructive.

A special mention has to go to Emma, the Principal. Her support, advice and willingness to take the time to understand Lucy’s needs has been invaluable. Nothing feels like a one size fits all approach, and we’ve felt listened to and supported. As we explored a flexischooling arrangement, Benbridge have also been incredibly helpful in working alongside Lucy’s mainstream school to find a solution that puts her needs first.

As a parent, it’s been lovely to see Lucy looking forward to lessons and talking positively about her learning again. I am very grateful for all the support we’ve received so far and would happily recommend Benbridge to other families looking for a flexible and supportive online education option.

Absolutely incredible, my son is really thriving through benbridge academy, and looks forward to seeing his teacher every week. Couldn’t recommend more!

We joined Benbridge Academy in September last year after my son wasn’t getting on in mainstream school. It was the best decision we made for him. Emma Bennett the principal is so helpful and always on hand if needed. Classes are small and the teachers knowledgeable and easy to contact should you need them. Online system is easy. Fees are reasonably priced. We did a free 3 day trial before we signed up which was really useful, I’m not sure we would have signed up without this. Highly recommend Benbridge Academy.

Apart from a brief stint in school, our 10-year-old son has mostly been home-schooled. About a year ago we realised that continuing to provide the level of education he needed would require us to significantly step up our efforts as parents and teachers.

We started working with a few online tutors each week, but it quickly became a lot to manage. A friend recommended that we speak with Emma Bennett, the Principal at Benbridge Academy. She took the time to understand our situation, our son’s strengths and areas for development, and our academic goals for him.

Emma then created a timetable that allows him to attend classes at different study levels rather than placing him into a single year group. As a result, he feels stimulated and challenged across the curriculum. The mix of Self-Directed Study periods and taught classes has given his day a structure that he genuinely enjoys.

For us as parents, this has removed much of the day-to-day management of his education and allows us to spend more time simply being his parents rather than managing his timetable and learning.

The teachers have all been exceptional. Their approach builds confidence and inspires curiosity, and there is a real sense that they know him, care about him, and are invested in developing his character as well as his knowledge.

We looked at several different online schools, but we are extremely glad we chose Benbridge Academy and doubt there is a better option for our son. Highly recommended.

Having researched online schooling until I’d driven myself crazy, it was so refreshing to speak with Emma (the head & founder) at Benbridge. Emma just understood our needs and had the solution of great teachers, education and curriculum at a realistic cost. My daughter is much happier now and doing better academically than she ever did at mainstream school.

After chatting with Emma I really felt Benbridge was the right online school for our son. The teaching is of a high standard and delivered in a way that keeps my son interested and focused. They have been very flexible with our timetabling and the platform they use is easy to navigate. Feedback is great and consistent. I would highly recommend Benbridge !

We have tried two online schools and I can't recommend Benbridge highly enough. The difference being Emma Bennet - she has fostered a small, community experience where the teachers seem to be very engaged and caring about the students. This was not the experience we had in the past - I am guessing it is because Emma is an ex head teacher and has chosen her team carefully. Emma is engaged and responsive and our child has a really good relationship with his teachers. He is motivated and driven to do his work and doesn't require much supervision. Online is not for every child/parent but if you are considering it and have looked at the other, bigger online schools, consider again. Benbridge is a revelation.

Our daughter’s switch to Benbridge has truly changed our lives. She was really struggling in mainstream high school — masking every day just to get through, her attendance had dropped, and she often came home in tears. It was heartbreaking watching her lose confidence and dread school.

Since joining Benbridge, everything has turned around. She’s comfortable, supported, and finally happy again. The teachers understand her needs, and the flexible, caring approach has allowed her to rebuild her confidence and love of learning. She’s even starting to work through her anxiety with a much more positive attitude.

As parents, we can’t express enough gratitude. The change in her wellbeing and our whole family life has been incredible. She now looks forward to her lessons and feels safe being herself.

If you’re considering an alternative to traditional schooling, we wholeheartedly recommend this online school. It’s given our daughter her spark back and given us our happy, hopeful child again.

My daughter moved over to Benbridge Academy online school a few weeks into the start of the new term this year after struggling to cope with mainstream school. She had missed a lot of school and was worried she would have a lot to catch up on, especially with it being her GCSE year. However, she has settled into the new routine really well and all her teachers are extremely supportive and work at a pace that suits her. She is keeping up with the work and particularly enjoys the small class sizes. Mrs Bennet, the school principal, has been excellent helping myself and my daughter every step of the way as it’s daunting at first. The communication from her and all teachers is great. You really feel like they all really care about your child. I highly recommend this school if you are considering moving your child away from mainstream education for whatever reason. For the first time in a long time my daughter is feeling confident about sitting her GCSEs.

My daughter has autism and ADHD. For years, she struggled in mainstream school. Like many girls, she masked her difficulties, which meant she was never provided with the support or environment she truly needed in order to succeed. Over time, her mental health deteriorated; she became increasingly anxious, withdrew from family and friends, and expressed that she no longer wanted to be here.

Her mainstream school was unable to meet her needs, as they could not provide the environment she required. After much research, and many supportive conversations with the head teacher, we made the decision to withdraw her from mainstream education and enrol her at Benbridge Academy.

This has been the best decision we could have made. She is now happy, re-engaging with family and friends, and is once again motivated academically. The school provides outstanding support not only for her, but also for myself as her parent. Her needs are always at the forefront, and communication with teachers is excellent.

I cannot praise the school highly enough. Benbridge Academy has given me my daughter back.

We really love this school. My 12 year old says "its just great in all ways".
We started this school after leaving a physical school after a difficult time. Benbridge really listened to our needs and made every effort to accommodate them, even designing the timetable specially for us so that it fit around other things.
Benbridge is really flexible and reliable, and the teachers and Mrs Bennett the head are excellent.
They are kind and the atmosphere in classes has really given our child confidence. Thanks to switching to online, he has regained his sense of self again.
If your child is struggling to stay in physical school and you are looking for an online school, we would really recommend Benbridge. We looked at several begore choosing this and felt the others were too big and could not provide tailored support. Benbridge has small class sizes and the teachers really get to know the students and provide 1 to 1 support.
The flipped learning also works. At first our child had to adjust but now he has more independence and has got used to the routine. We see him so much more, we can have lunch together and I can see him growing up. The live lessons are kept short (50 mins) with breaks in between and the timetable allows time for other things including going to walks, swimming or own projects etc, which is great.
The teachers don't pressure and have taken time to know how to work with our son. Other bigger online schools I dont think could provide this level of personal service and attention.
We are really happy with this school and the learning our child has done. Big shout out to Mrs Bennett and all the wonderful team of teachers.
We love Benbridge!

We chose Benbridge with our 12 year old daughter as she was sinking in an educational setting. We had experience at a far bigger online school with our eldest daughter which was hugely disappointing. Benbridge have been superb for our 2nd daughter who is shy and lacking in confidence. It’s been a great experience and we finally have our daughter back! She is happy, chats about her day, tells us all the positives and is just so happy. The staff are quick to respond, big on correspondence and send emails of support to us about our daughter. The head, Emma Bennett seems so caring and genuinely wants the best for everyone. Directed study is clear and prepared. Whilst this is a far smaller model than a lot of the online schools it’s doing all the right things! The teachers are so kind and whilst our daughter thought she was bad at art she has found a love of it with clear, directed and much needed guidance.
If you’re looking for an online school this is the one to choose. It’s small and so has the space to cater for all.

Education is great for my son.
Teachers and parents communication is great.

Very supportive school. So well organised with fantastic teachers. Daughter absolutely loves this school and is doing so well. Would highly recommend.

Highly qualified teachers tailor their approaches to each student's needs.
Friendly and comfortable studying flow, but with a discipline structure to the lessons.
Great administrative support and guidance throughout the year..