Could social media really be boosting GCSE grades? One online school says yes

The online school, which combines live-streamed teaching with TikTok-style content and AI learning tools, also saw 44% of its English Literature students and 43% of its English Language students achieve the same top marks, around double the national rate.

And according to its founders, this success isn’t just about traditional teaching, it’s about where and how young people are learning.

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Since launching in 2022, MyEdSpace has taught more than 16,000 UK students online, offering live lessons from top-performing teachers, all of whom are required to re-sit their A-levels and achieve near-perfect scores, at a fraction of the cost of private tuition.

But it’s the social media reach that sets it apart: the platform’s teaching team has a combined following of 4 million across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, where they break down GCSE concepts into bite-sized, scrollable content.

The approach seems to be working. This year:

• 51% of MyEdSpace Maths students scored grades 7–9 (vs 17% nationally)
• 44% in English Literature scored 7–9 (vs 20% nationally)
• 43% in English Language scored 7–9 (vs 16% nationally)
• In core sciences, around 70–75% of students achieved top grades

The number of Year 11 students using MyEdSpace increased by 148% from 2023 to 2024, yet results remained consistently high, something the platform puts down to a blend of structured live learning and content delivery that mirrors what students already engage with in their spare time.

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Sean Hirons, co-founder of MyEdSpace, says it’s time to reframe how we think about screen time and social platforms, particularly when it comes to learning.

“Schools are under a lot of pressure, but our students continue to outperform – proof of what’s possible when brilliant teachers are supported by the right technology,” Hirons said.

“We’re giving access to some of the best teachers in the country, regardless of postcode or background. With the right support, young people can achieve at the highest level – and this is just the beginning.”

The platform uses live-streamed lessons, AI tools to track progress and structure revision, and social media explainers to break down tricky concepts. Parents pay from £5 per hour, compared to the £30–£40 typically charged for private tuition.

MyEdSpace says it’s not just grades that are improving. In a parent survey, 83% reported a more positive attitude from their child after joining the platform.

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And while it’s easy to assume online learning is more isolating, the model includes interactive lessons, live Q&As, and regular teacher feedback, something many schools are struggling to offer consistently amid rising class sizes and staffing pressures.

While online learning soared during the pandemic, many families have returned to traditional classrooms and in-person tuition. But with figures like these, platforms such as MyEdSpace may be carving out a long-term space in the education landscape, particularly for families looking for flexibility and affordability.

The platform is currently rated 4.8 on Trustpilot and continues to grow. Whether it can maintain these results at scale remains to be seen, but for now, it’s offering a glimpse at what a very modern, very digital model of learning might look like.

And if that involves scrolling through science explainers on TikTok rather than last-minute cramming the night before the exam? Some parents may find that a compromise worth making.