Comparing 6 e-learning platforms for secondary schools: A comprehensive guide

Introduction

Each platform is objectively reviewed, providing you with an impartial and comprehensive overview. It's important to note that all information presented in this article is readily accessible on each provider's website. We've simply combed through every website, highlighting the unique selling points (USPs) of each product and jotting down any important considerations. This saves you the hassle of conducting your own extensive research. However, we still advise conducting your own research once you've narrowed down potential providers.

Review of the top e-learning platforms for secondary schools

Seneca

First on the list of our e-learning platforms for secondary schools, we have Seneca. Seneca markets itself as a homework and revision platform, condensing essential content into a question format to make revision digestible. Notably, Seneca caters to students from Key Stage 2 all the way through to A-levels.

Seneca offers a significant amount of free content, which users can filter by age group, subject, and exam board. Additionally, there's a 'Premium' membership available for purchase, providing access to over 845 courses across various subjects and exam boards. However, even the free version offers access to 657 courses.

Seneca's advantages include its smart learning algorithms, which enhance topic retention by reformulating questions when users answer incorrectly. The platform also incorporates GIFs and memes to celebrate success, resonating well with its student audience. For teachers, Seneca's automated marking and progress monitoring features save time and facilitate better support for individual student progress.

Pros of Seneca

• Formative and summative assessment tools
• Content aligned to exam boards
• Mobile-friendly
• Wide breadth of content
• Free to use

Cons of Seneca

• Lack of video content
• Primarily suited for homework and revision rather than in-classroom use

Century Tech

Century Tech markets itself as an “intelligent intervention tool” that combines adaptive learning with the latest pedagogical research in learning science. The ‘adaptive learning’ element to the platform is perhaps Century Tech’s stand-out feature, which uses technology to tailor instruction and content to the individual needs and abilities of each learner, allowing for personalised and optimised learning experiences.

In terms of coverage, the e-learning platform provides learning content for primary, secondary and post-16 education, covering Maths, English, Science, Geography and PE. Each topic within their respective subject area is broken down into micro-lessons that present learning content in an engaging way – using videos, slideshows and formative assessment questions.

The e-learning platform for secondary schools can be used for a range or purposes, including assessments, planning, homework, interventions, revision and cover lessons.

Pros of Century Tech

• Formative assessment tools
• Content aligned to exam boards
• Self-marking assignments
• Mobile responsive
• Based on pedagogical theory
• Adaptive learning

Cons of Century Tech

• Covers only 5 subjects
• Not free to use

Learning by Questions

Next on the list of e-learning platforms for secondary schools is Learning by Questions (LbQ), a teaching app that utilises continuous formative assessment and immediate feedback for students.

Whilst it offers a comprehensive array of resources for primary schools, the platform only offers content for maths and science at secondary level. Yet, whilst subject coverage is somewhat limited, the content itself is effective – drawing resources created by subject specialists and aligned to the main exam boards as well as other schemes of learning.

With features such as personalised feedback, question-level analysis, meaningful homework and revision, and departmental data, LbQ is a solid choice for secondary schools looking to boost Maths and Science attainment.

Pros of Learning by Questions

• Formative assessment
• Self-marking assignments
• Mobile responsive
• Based on pedagogical theory

Cons of Learning by Questions

• No use of video
• No summative assessment tools
• Only covers two subject areas
• Not free to use

GCSEPod

Next up, we have GCSEPod. It offers a comprehensive digital learning platform designed to support GCSE teaching and learning, featuring curriculum-aligned audio-visual content spanning over 30 subjects.

It serves as a resource for both teachers and students in secondary schools, providing materials tailored to different learning styles and facilitating independent learning.

The e-learning platform for secondary schools includes features such as analytics and progress tracking for educators to personalise instruction, while students benefit from interactive lessons that can be accessed at their own pace, enhancing both effectiveness and enjoyment in GCSE learning and exam preparation.

GCSEPod has recently released a new bundle of Key Stage 3 content, covering the subjects of Maths, English, History and Science – with further subjects being released soon.

Pros of GCSEPod

• Videos
• Formative assessment
• Summative assessment
• Content aligned to exam boards
• Self-marking capabilities
• Mobile responsive
• Based on pedagogical theory
• Breadth of content

Cons of GCSEPod

• Not free to use
• Doesn’t utilise AI/Adaptive learning

Educake

Educake is an e-learning platform for secondary schools, focused on formative assessment – used for homework purposes.

The platform provides a robust collection of subject-specific questions aimed at fostering independent learning and enhancing the significance of homework assignments. Their insights and analysis tool allows for quick assessment of individual student comprehension, comparison with class and national averages, and identification of areas needing improvement.

The platform emphasises the importance of providing teachers with the necessary time and resources to optimise their teaching methods, offering low-stakes, auto-marking quizzes that efficiently pinpoint knowledge gaps across various subjects. By leveraging this data, educators can tailor their instructional strategies to address specific student needs, thereby promoting personalised learning and ultimately improving educational outcomes.

Pros of Educake

• Formative assessment
• Content aligned to exam boards
• Self-marking
• Mobile responsive
• Based on pedagogical theory
• Wide breadth of content

Cons of Educake

• No videos
• No summative assessment
• Not free to use
• More of a homework tool, rather than a classroom tool
• No use of AI/Adaptive learning

BBC Bitesize

The only fully free resource on this list, BBC Bitesize offers online study support aimed at aiding learning, revision, and homework tasks, catering to individuals aged 3 to 16+ across various school subjects, while also addressing the wellbeing and career aspirations of children and young adults.

Bitesize guides, authored by educators and subject specialists, adhere closely to the UK curriculum with Secondary Bitesize specifically aligning with the exam board specifications of major UK examination boards, such as those for GCSEs in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, as well as National 4, National 5, and Highers in Scotland, thereby ensuring students are adequately prepared for their respective examinations.

It can be used whether you're teaching or learning in the classroom, completing or helping with homework, getting your children ready for school or revising for exams.

Pros of BBC Bitesize

• Comprehensive coverage
• Quality content
• Aligned with curriculum
• Free access
• Interactive
• Trusted brand

Cons of BBC bitesize

• Limited depth
• Lack of customisation
• Static content
• Inconsistent updates
• Ads and distractions
• Limited advanced content

What to consider with e-learning platforms for secondary schools

Before conducting your research into e-learning platforms for secondary schools, you need to be clear on your aims as a school. We recommend asking yourself these two questions:

Q1 Do I need a tool to boost whole-school attainment?

Many schools opt for an e-learning platform to elevate results throughout the entire school. If this aligns with your goals, your optimal choice would be investing in a comprehensive platform like GCSEPod or Century Tech. These platforms hinge on obtaining buy-in from the entire school (or cohort) and consequently necessitate implementation and training (for teachers) to maximise their benefits. They serve to enhance lessons, homework, and revision, offering nearly everything necessary to provide your cohort with the greatest opportunities for success.

Q2 Do I just need a tool to supplement my classroom learning?

Alternatively, you might find that you only need an additional tool to serve as a "gap filler" (because, let's face it, we all need those sometimes!) during lessons or for homework and revision. In such cases, Bitesize is a solid choice, offering a diverse range of resources tailored to different subjects and levels. For those seeking a bit more structure, Seneca provides a comprehensive platform with features designed to guide students through their learning journey effectively.

Why should you take into account these two questions?

By addressing these two questions, you'll gain insight into whether your school or cohort would benefit more from a free or paid service. Evaluating these aspects allows you to tailor your decision to better meet the specific needs and resources of your institution or group.

Advice when shortlisting e-learning platforms for secondary schools

The first piece of advice would be to consider your budgetary and resource requirements. Only then can you begin your research into your ideal e-learning platform.

Once you have determined your budget constraints and resource availability, the next step is to carefully assess the features and functionalities offered by various e-learning platforms. This includes evaluating the platform's compatibility with your school's existing systems, the breadth and depth of content provided, as well as the level of support and training offered to teachers and students.

Additionally, it's crucial to seek feedback from educators who have experience with the platforms under consideration, as their insights can provide valuable guidance in making an informed decision.

By taking these factors into account, you can effectively narrow down your options and select the e-learning platform that best aligns with the needs and goals of your secondary school.

Conclusion

This article has provided a comprehensive overview of some of the leading e-learning platforms for secondary schools, offering valuable insights to aid your research process. We strongly encourage you to conduct thorough research to select a platform that best suits your school's unique needs and requirements.

While we have strived to maintain objectivity throughout this article, if you're interested in learning more about our e-learning platform, GCSEPod, we invite you to explore our product page and download a brochure for further information.

If you're eager to experience a free demo of GCSEPod, don't hesitate to click on the following link and fill in the form, and one of our experts will promptly get in touch with you. We're here to support you in making an informed decision for your school's e-learning journey.