Over 1.7 million children in the UK are currently out of school. Many of them are not absent by choice — they are autistic, have ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing disorder, trauma, chronic illness, or learning disabilities. The current school system is not built for them.
As an autistic person who struggled in school, I know how badly some children need options like this. And I see so many others who are suffering - or out of education entirely. A government-funded virtual school could change lives — and give families real options.
We are calling on the UK Government to fund and create a free, fully accessible virtual school for children aged 5–18 who cannot attend mainstream school for medical, mental health, or special educational needs reasons.
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We are asking for:
• A DfE-funded and regulated online school for ages 5 to 18
• Live, interactive teaching led by qualified teachers
• A flexible structure that meets the needs of children with SEN and medical conditions
• Full access to national curriculum and recognised qualifications (SATs, GCSEs, A-Levels)
• Individual pastoral and mental health support
• Optional in-person meetups, trips, or assessment hubs
• No requirement for parents to act as full-time teachers or buy expensive resources
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  Why this matters:
Private online schools do exist — some even start at age 5 — but fees range from £3,000 to £10,000 per year, and that’s out of reach for most families. Education is a legal right, but right now it depends on income, postcode, or whether a child can tolerate the stress of a traditional classroom.
A government-funded virtual school would give families real choice — not just the threat of fines or forced deregistration. It would allow children to learn in a way that respects their needs, abilities, and well-being.
It’s time to create an inclusive solution that reflects the reality of modern families.
Let’s build a system where every child can access education — not just the ones who fit the mould.
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  Please sign this petition to give our children the option they deserve.