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Offering a first-class British education to pupils wherever they are in the world, King’s InterHigh is a pioneer of online learning – and the gold standard of virtual schooling. As part of the Inspired group of schools (which boasts over 70 bricks-and-mortar schools across five continents), it cleverly combines a fully remote education with the resources and expertise of a truly global community, while offering a hugely successful alternative to mainstream school at a fraction of the price.
Where?
Everywhere and anywhere. All pupils need is access to a computer, logging in and joining lessons and activities from absolutely anywhere in the world: their bedroom, the airport or even backstage or on the side of a pitch while juggling a professional career.
In 2021, the school expanded to launch a branch in Dubai, which runs under exactly the same framework as the UK original, but operates on Gulf Standard Time and a timetable adapted to suit the Gulf’s working week, as well as Ramadan, Eid and other cultural and religious dates. It’s a fantastic alternative to the UAE’s international schools, which are often very oversubscribed and come at a high price. Lessons are both live and pre-recorded, meaning every student’s schedule is completely flexible, and designed to fit around other commitments, whatever they may be.
Head
Experienced educationalist Tahoora Khalil Urehman heads the Dubai branch of the school, and is responsible for communications with families, pupils and staff within the UAE region. Ms Khalil Urehman has heaps of experience in the British education system and is hugely enthusiastic about the online model of teaching, believing it provides so much more flexibility for individual needs than the in-person equivalent.
Ms Khalil Urehman is ably supported by King’s InterHigh’s executive head, Ashley Harrold, who oversees the school as a whole. A historian by training, he spent almost a decade at Blatchington Mill School in Sussex before arriving at King’s InterHigh in 2021. Hugely approachable and energetic, he’s evangelical about the benefits of being part of the global network offered by King’s InterHigh.
Admissions
King’s InterHigh prides itself on its brilliantly flexible offering, which also applies to its admissions process, and pupils can join at any point in the academic year (the only exceptions being Year 11 or 13, where direct entry isn’t possible at any point). It’s entirely non-selective, and the only admissions requirement is a decent level of English, as well as proven curiosity and potential. Most pupils join as they are keen to access the full British curriculum, but a handful also join because traditional schooling has failed for one reason or another – from bullying and anxiety to professional commitments. The UAE branch of the school is still relatively new, so while numbers here are smaller than at the UK counterpart, over 10,000 pupils have passed through King’s InterHigh in the past 15 years. There are lots of siblings at the school, and discounts are available to families.
Academics and destinations
The school’s academic ethos is based on totally bespoke learning, with timetables built around each individual student. Teachers are experts in their subjects (many have PhDs) and are based in the UK but recruited on account of their experience of the UAE. They are fully equipped to deal with any nuances between the UK and UAE educational systems, as well as being highly experienced in the British independent school system. It’s worth knowing that the school can accommodate pupils with mild to moderate SEND too.
The school runs a live timetable, but every lesson is recorded so it can be revisited at any time, with subject materials and resources available 24/7. And there’s certainly no opportunity to hide behind a computer screen – pupils are expected to actively participate in lessons, with discussion and debate strongly encouraged, and online breakout rooms, chats, polls and quizzes used to bring an interactive element into each virtual classroom. Pupils even strap on VR headsets during science lessons to help bring practical experiments to life.
Most subjects include both a ‘Lead’ (seminar-style) lesson and an ‘Explore’ (tutorial-style) session to ignite group discussion and collaboration, while ongoing formative and summative assessments keep parents in the loop about their child’s progress. That said, these are very much designed to help consolidate learning, rather than put undue pressure on pupils.
Pupils in Years 7 to 9 study the core subjects of maths, English and sciences. Arabic is also on offer, with about 35 per cent opting in. On top of this, there’s the option to choose up to five additional subjects to study, including art, computer science, film studies, French, history and drama. At GCSE, this list expands to include psychology and religious studies. Pupils can also complement their studies with additional courses in health and wellbeing, computer games and international relations.
Co-curricular
While you certainly won’t find acres of manicured playing fields, state-of-the-art theatres or a fully equipped art studio, there are still plenty of opportunities for pupils to get stuck into co-curricular enrichment. For many, music, art, performing arts or sport will already be a huge part of what they do outside of the classroom, and indeed a main motivation for choosing an online school, meaning they can fit their education around their busy lives.
There’s a whole host of online clubs to sign up to, from babysitting to cookery to chess. Visiting speakers often log on to lead lectures, and pupils can play their part in the school council and write for the student newspaper.
During the school holidays, King’s InterHigh teams up with Inspired schools across the globe to host summer camps, exchanges and activity sessions, allowing pupils to access fun-filled and educational in-person experiences, from fashion and design to sailing and tennis.
School community
Pupil wellbeing and pastoral care are top priorities, with huge importance put on human connection. Each pupil has their own dedicated form and peer tutor, who stays in close contact to keep track of their progress and help identify areas in need of support or challenge. Virtual assemblies led by Mr Harrold are an opportunity to bring the whole school community together, while a tight-knit house structure helps develop friendships across year groups while fostering a healthy dose of competition through regular inter-house competitions and events.
Online safety is taken seriously, and pupils stay in touch via a secure virtual-hangout facility, as well as King’s InterHigh’s very own social media platform. Mr Harrold believes the school has a greater measure of control if there are any signs of pupils behaving negatively towards others – the online model enables them to be removed from the conversation until they are ready to act positively in their lesson group and towards their peers.
Timetabled ‘Walk Away from the Computer’ sessions are designed to encourage pupils to reflect and appreciate the environment around them, and prevent them from being permanently glued to a screen. And while there is no uniform, pupils can snap up King’s InterHigh hoodies, which are often worn with pride during online lessons.
And finally....
This is a genuinely international, welcoming community for pupils from all walks of life – and a winning alternative to an international school in the UAE. Online schooling certainly isn’t for everyone, but for the right child, King’s InterHigh hits all the right notes.