SCHOOLING across the borough took what could be the first step to a future of ‘virtual education’ this week, when the first internet website enabling students to work from home was launched.

In a pilot scheme that could soon be introduced across the borough’s schools, students at the Green School, on Busch Corner, Isleworth, - one of the borough’s top performing secondary schools, will now be able to access their schoolwork by logging on to the site, in the comfort of their own homes.

Additionally teachers can direct students via e-mail, and vice-versa, while parents are being encouraged to use the school’s website as a reliable source of information and for contacting the school directly, while pupils can communicate with their teachers via email to seek support and guidance.

The website is the result of a collaboration with the London Grid for Learning and Digital Brain Plc. Many students are already using the website, while the Green School has been attracting attention from many other schools in the borough who have expressed interest in offering a similar ‘Information Portal’.

Head Teacher of the School, Pam Butterfield, said: "‘Digitalbrain’ encourages students to take control of their own leaning, wherever they are, in the knowledge that their teacher is always available via email.’’ Pupils appear to be supportive of the scheme. Charlotte Ashton (Year 8) and Sarah Moxom (Year 10) both welcomed the scheme, saying "It has given me much more flexibility in how I can receive guidance on my studies."

However, the development wasn’t welcomed by all. One student, who asked not to be named, complained: "To be frank, its hard enough to get away from school and teachers as it is - now they’re beaming them into our homes."