The observation it started from
A child using two thirds of what they are capable of can still get an A, so nobody notices. A school that only measures the score will never see the other third.
From our founder
Most schools tell you what your child scored.We wanted more than that.
Alexandra Cigdem, our CEO and Founder, built IWS Online School so that confidence and independence are taught through a structure, not left to chance.
Book a Consultation
Autumn term begins 14 September 2026. The consultation carries no fee, and there is nothing to decide on the day.
Accredited
IWS Online School is a registered Cambridge International School. Students sit the same Cambridge qualifications, recognised by more than 1,400 universities.
A school that is judged on more than a grade
So development is timetabled
Not offered as enrichment and dropped when exams come round. It sits inside the week, alongside the subjects rather than around them.
A Mentor, not an administrator
One of your child’s own subject teachers, trained to deliver the Well-Rounded Programme, meeting them one to one for twenty minutes every week of term.
Written down, then read together
Once a term, a report on how your child is developing, read with you and your child. Recorded, dated and verified as it happens.
Academy learning model
The Well-Rounded Programme, the Mentor and the weekly one to one are part of Academy. Bridge and Foundation are structured differently.
What we actually run
- 2021IWS Online School founded
- 7 to 19Primary, Lower Secondary, IGCSE, A Level and University Foundation
- CambridgeA registered Cambridge International School
- 600Students currently enrolled, from around the world
- WeeklyTwenty minutes, one to one, for every Academy student
Accreditations: Cambridge International, COBIS, OCN London, UKRLP.
Beyond the classroom
Athletes, Founders & Leaders
There isn’t a typical IWS student. Some train seriously for sport. Some perform. Some are already building something of their own. They live in different countries and meet in the same classrooms.
Georgiy G.IGCSE student, tennis athlete
Peter G.Show jumping, CSI level
Maksim B.A Level student, kendo athlete & IWS Head Boy
Milos L.Entrepreneur
Adrian R.Student athlete
Kei Y.IGCSE student, ballet athlete
Aydın T.Graduate, now in City University of London
Alexandru R.2025/26 Graduate, applied to top UK & Europe universities for Law
Emre K.Graduate, now studying Mathematics and Data Science
Serenity M.Debate Club leader
Thato R.A Level student, learning independently
Xenia A.A Level student, Science Club leaderBook a Consultation
Term begins 14 September 2026. The consultation carries no fee.
The record
- 1,400+
- Universities recognising Cambridge qualifications
- 4.2 / 5
- Trustpilot, reviewed by IWS families
- 95%
- Progression to 165+ pathways, University Foundation
- 1:1
- Unlimited one to one support on Academy
In their own words
Choosing a school online is difficult. These are from parents and students who already made the decision. Left independently on Trustpilot.
I’ve been really pleased with the support my son has received. Whenever we’ve had a question, the teachers have replied quickly and explained everything clearly. It’s reassuring to know that he can always ask for help if he needs it.
Elena C.Parent · via Trustpilot
The team is incredibly flexible, understanding, and always willing to help whenever you have a question or need support. They genuinely care about their students and make the learning process much less stressful.
Milos L.Student · via Trustpilot
I spent considerable time looking for an online education for my daughter. Frankly, I had to choose IWS. My daughter just finished her AS level subjects and will continue with her A levels in a few months. Both of us are extremely happy.
ArdeshirParent · via Trustpilot
This was our first year at IWS, and it has been a wonderful experience. My daughter really enjoyed the teachers and the lessons, and I can see how much she has improved. The school has been very supportive.
Demi Y.Parent · via Trustpilot
I am currently studying a Foundation Year at IWS Online School and have had a great experience so far. The tutors are helpful, the course materials are clear, and the flexibility of online learning makes studying convenient.
Oum K.Student · via Trustpilot
With the end of my A-Levels this year, I wouldn’t have chosen any better institution than IWS. The immense support throughout my studies contributed to my academic performance and my wellbeing.
SalouaStudent · via Trustpilot
Our experience with IWS is very positive. It provided exactly what we needed and how we needed it: flexibility in study time with good study content, an independent programme and IGCSE.
Chinatsu Y.Parent · via Trustpilot
Caring, professional and friendly team. Thank you.
Giulia B.Parent · via Trustpilot
Four parents, on camera
We can explain how IWS works. Our families can tell you what it is actually like. Filmed at home, unscripted, published with their permission.
Not every student needs the same school day
IWS Academy
Full schoolThe full school week. A regular timetable, houses, clubs, unlimited 1:1 support, and a weekly one to one with a Mentor.
IWS Bridge
AlongsideFive taught lessons a week and more space around them. For a student training several hours a day or studying another programme at the same time, a full timetable isn’t always practical.
IWS Foundation
Own scheduleNo fixed live timetable. Students use recorded lessons and course materials and organise study around their own schedule. They are still following the course, just doing it differently.
You don’t have to decide from a website
A consultation, fifteen minutes
Tell us about your child, not only their grades. We answer on programmes, structure and the fees for their stage.
A trial lesson, with our compliments
Thirty minutes with a qualified teacher, and a look inside the platform your child would use.
A Mentor before the first Monday
Placement, timetable, Mentor and house are settled before your child’s first lesson.
Autumn term 2026
Term begins 14 September
Houses and form groups are settled in the first week. A child who starts with everyone else meets a form group that is also finding its feet. Join later and the friendships have already formed, which is harder, though plenty of students do it and settle well.
We do take students mid-year. September is simply the easier week to arrive.
What would you like to know?
Tell us about your child. What is working at the moment, what isn’t, and what you are weighing up. Our admissions team reads these and replies within one working day.
- Our admissions team replies within one working day
- The consultation carries no fee
- Nothing to decide on the day
Your details go only to our admissions team.
The things parents ask first
Who runs IWS Online School?
Alexandra Cigdem is our CEO and Founder. Matt Vickery is Executive Principal. Behind them are the subject teachers your child sees each week, and an academic and pastoral team who speak to students and keep in touch with families.
Is IWS accredited?
Yes. IWS is a Cambridge-accredited British online school, and we also hold COBIS, OCN London and UKRLP. Students work towards Cambridge IGCSE and A Level qualifications recognised by universities around the world.
What if IWS is not right for my child?
Then we should be able to say so. If, from what you tell us at the consultation, we do not think this is the right school for your child, we would rather tell you than enrol them.
Can we study from another time zone?
Yes. Families join us from across the world. Lessons are timetabled and recorded, and we will be straight with you at the consultation about which parts of the day work from where you are, and which do not.
Do we have to wait for term to start?
No. The autumn term begins on 14 September 2026, and that is the natural point to join, but we take students mid-year too. If a September start is what you want, a conversation this week keeps it open.