Hybrid school in UK helps students who struggle with traditional education
London Park School Hybrid, combining online and in-person learning, has been named a finalist for the World's Best School prize in the overcoming adversity category. The story of student Ellie Ball highlights how hybrid education can transform lives, even as the government plans a social media ban.
Two years ago, 16-year-old Ellie Ball could barely force herself to attend school. Now she plans to take four A-levels and hopes to study astrolaw – space law – at university. The transformation happened largely through screens. Four days a week, Ellie learns remotely from home, and once a week she travels to London Park School Hybrid (LPS Hybrid) for in-person lessons.
LPS Hybrid, part of the private Dukes Education group, was named a finalist for the World's Best School prize in the overcoming adversity category this week. The school helps students who do not thrive in mainstream settings and has also been shortlisted for a Tes Schools award for pupil mental health.
The UK government is legislating a social media access ban amid growing concerns about children's relationship with technology. Ellie argues that screens are not inherently bad: "My mainstream school didn't use screens and I was miserable there. Hybrid school uses screens, but without them I would not currently be in education."
Ellie's father worries the ban could limit access to online GCSE provision. However, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology stated that dedicated educational platforms would not be banned.
Another student, 16-year-old Ahlam De Chausay, said hybrid learning helped her become more confident and independent. The school's directors emphasize teaching students to use technology safely rather than restricting access. Jamie Whiteside, co-director of LPS Hybrid, noted: "What we do on a screen is very simple: through screens, humans who know each other, talk to each other."
