Minerva Virtual Academy

The UK online school redefining virtual education to give its students a sense of community and connection

Minerva Virtual Academy (MVA), an independent secondary school in the UK, is redefining online education with a student-centred model that includes live lessons, weekly one-to-one mentoring, and an engaging virtual and real-world community, to offer students a real alternative to traditional schooling. High-quality online schooling is often perceived as too expensive or considered too isolating because it lacks the peer-to-peer interaction that many students need to thrive. Oversized-webinar style lessons in many online schools and a lack of pastoral care have added to negative perceptions of virtual learning spaces. Opening its doors in 2021, MVA has debunked these misconceptions by pioneering a student-centred online school model that changes how young people learn, connect, and succeed.

The school has successfully built an ecosystem where students form friendships, receive personal guidance, and participate in real-world life experiences like school trips and community events. While a virtual learning platform forms the school’s foundation with lessons, self-paced study and real-time teacher support, what makes a difference is its mentoring programme. MVA has also built a strong, engaged student community through weekly assemblies, student-led clubs, and real-life after-school activities. A system tracks engagement to truly understand student involvement and identify which classes are the most and least engaging, providing valuable insights not only into student behaviour but also into teacher performance.

Since launching in 2020, MVA has grown from only four students to over 1,100, serving students from over 60 countries. This year, more than 70% of students achieved grades 4-9, with an average of over 65%, exceeding the UK GCSE national average. Students have been recognised internationally with science prizes, and one student achieved the highest mark worldwide for Pearson Edexcel Maths GCSE in 2024. Teachers are far more engaged, and parents are organically forming networks and supportive communities with each other.