Welcome to GCSE online at MVA

Award-Winning Virtual Schooling for GCSE Students Ages 14-16
‍✔ Choose from 17 iGCSE/GCSE subjects
✔ Flexibility to study anywhere, at your own pace
✔ Award-winning virtual school experience

Book a Call with Admissions
Getting StartedHow We TeachSubjects & AcademicsTeachers & MentorsDay In The LifeBeyond ExamsFAQAdmissions
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Getting Started

Welcome to Minerva's Virtual Academy! Getting started with your GCSE online studies couldn't be easier. All you need is a computer or tablet and an internet connection - and once you join your first Assembly on Monday, we'll take it from there!
What is a "GCSE"?
GCSE stands for “General Certificate of Standard Education”. They are the foundational British education qualifications that are taken at the end of Year 11. They can be used to enter the workplace or progress to A Level and Higher Education. IGCSEs are the popular International version, which are predominately studied at MVA.

GCSEs are studied over two years. Pupils are typically fourteen years old when they start in Year 10 and sixteen years old when they finish in Year 11. Formal, written exams are sat in June at the end of Year 11. Results are published in August.
Why choose MVA for Years 10 & 11?

Choosing MVA for Years 10 & 11 could be a life-changing decision for several reasons. Our unique approach to online education is particularly well-suited for:

  • Students who may not be reaching their full potential in a conventional school environment.
  • Those who frequently travel or relocate, requiring a consistent and adaptable academic framework.
  • Individuals who have a talent or lifestyle that necessitates flexible study hours.
  • Students who prefer a solitary learning environment, free from distractions of peer pressure or social dynamics.
  • Learners who desire the autonomy to study at their own pace, either to advance more quickly or to take the necessary time to solidify their understanding of basic concepts.

At MVA, we recognize and cater to these diverse needs, offering a flexible and individualized learning experience that empowers each student to flourish.

How We Teach

Our award-winning teaching approach combines cutting-edge virtual learning technology with the very best teachers and mentors from some of the UK's top schools.

Flipped Learning

Helped by their personal mentor, students study independently on our interactive Virtual Learning Platform (VLP) before heading into class to enrich their learning with our brilliant subject teachers.

The Four Pillars

Beyond lessons, the "Four Pillars" ensure we're always delivering a broad and highly-stimulating education for every child in our care:

  • Virtual Learning Platform
  • Live Lessons
  • Mentoring
  • Community & School Trips 

Subjects & Academics

At Minerva's Virtual Academy, students typically study nine subjects at GCSE/iGCSE level.

The full list can be viewed here.

Download Printable Version

Please note that not all subjects may be available for all year groups, and some are country-specific.

Important Information

Compulsory Subjects

All pupils must study English Language, Maths (at either Higher or Foundation level) and one of the Science options below.

‍

Science Options

Full Science - all three subjects (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) studied in full, leading to six examinations and 3 separate GCSE grades in Year 11

Double Science - 66% of the content of all three subjects studied, leading to 3 examinations and 2 separate GCSE grades in Year 11

Individual Science (minimum two) - one combination of Biology and Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Chemistry and Physics studied in full, leading to four examinations and 2 separate GCSE grades in Year 11

‍

Languages

The Year 10 Language courses in French, German and Spanish assume prior learning. If a pupil wishes to take up a new language in Year 10, they will need to have one-to-one tutoring in the six months prior to develop a basic level of competency. Please discuss with a member of the Senior Team if your child is considering this.

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How to choose your subjects!

Pupils should make their subject choices with the guidance and support of parents, their mentor and teachers. If they have ideas of possible careers/fields of work, University courses or A-levels they want to aim for, these should be discussed and taken into account. If - as many don’t - they don’t yet have any ideas about that, they should aim to keep a broad variety of subject types in order to develop a range of different skills and, ultimately, should choose subjects that they enjoy and have an interest in.

‍

Art & Design

Compulsory Subjects

All pupils must study English Language, Maths (at either Higher or Foundation level) and one of the Science options below.

‍

Science Options

Full Science - all three subjects (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) studied in full, leading to six examinations and 3 separate GCSE grades in Year 11

Double Science - 66% of the content of all three subjects studied, leading to 3 examinations and 2 separate GCSE grades in Year 11

Individual Science (minimum two) - one combination of Biology and Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Chemistry and Physics studied in full, leading to four examinations and 2 separate GCSE grades in Year 11

‍

Languages

The Year 10 Language courses in French, German and Spanish assume prior learning. If a pupil wishes to take up a new language in Year 10, they will need to have one-to-one tutoring in the six months prior to develop a basic level of competency. Please discuss with a member of the Senior Team if your child is considering this.

‍

How to choose your subjects!

Pupils should make their subject choices with the guidance and support of parents, their mentor and teachers. If they have ideas of possible careers/fields of work, University courses or A-levels they want to aim for, these should be discussed and taken into account. If - as many don’t - they don’t yet have any ideas about that, they should aim to keep a broad variety of subject types in order to develop a range of different skills and, ultimately, should choose subjects that they enjoy and have an interest in.

‍

Biology

Compulsory Subjects

All pupils must study English Language, Maths (at either Higher or Foundation level) and one of the Science options below.

‍

Science Options

Full Science - all three subjects (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) studied in full, leading to six examinations and 3 separate GCSE grades in Year 11

Double Science - 66% of the content of all three subjects studied, leading to 3 examinations and 2 separate GCSE grades in Year 11

Individual Science (minimum two) - one combination of Biology and Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Chemistry and Physics studied in full, leading to four examinations and 2 separate GCSE grades in Year 11

‍

Languages

The Year 10 Language courses in French, German and Spanish assume prior learning. If a pupil wishes to take up a new language in Year 10, they will need to have one-to-one tutoring in the six months prior to develop a basic level of competency. Please discuss with a member of the Senior Team if your child is considering this.

‍

How to choose your subjects!

Pupils should make their subject choices with the guidance and support of parents, their mentor and teachers. If they have ideas of possible careers/fields of work, University courses or A-levels they want to aim for, these should be discussed and taken into account. If - as many don’t - they don’t yet have any ideas about that, they should aim to keep a broad variety of subject types in order to develop a range of different skills and, ultimately, should choose subjects that they enjoy and have an interest in.

‍

Teachers & Mentors

As a GCSE student at Minerva's Virtual Academy, your day is filled with live contact hours, including personalised mentoring sessions and Live Lessons with top teachers.

You'll also have free time to join extracurricular activities like After School Clubs and respond to creative challenges. The unique Wellbeing Programme offers techniques for stress reduction and increased resilience.

As term progresses, you'll encounter the joys of Enrichment Week, mock exams, and School Trips to explore new places and cultures. Each day you'll celebrate achievements, share experiences, and build a sense of belonging and community that will stay with you for years to come.

"We're building a group of young people who can really make a difference..."
‍Katy, MVA Geography Teacher
Meet Our Teachers & Mentors

Day In The Life

As a GCSE student at Minerva's Virtual Academy, your day is filled with live contact hours, including personalised mentoring sessions and Live Lessons with top teachers.

You'll also have free time to join extracurricular activities like After School Clubs and respond to creative challenges. The unique Wellbeing Programme offers techniques for stress reduction and increased resilience.

This is an example Year 10 Timetable, showing Monday to Wednesday only

As term progresses, you'll encounter the joys of Enrichment Week, mock exams, and School Trips to explore new places and cultures. Each day you'll celebrate achievements, share experiences, and build a sense of belonging and community that will stay with you for years to come.

Beyond Exams

As GCSE students at MVA, we make sure there's plenty going on to support your child's . Typically, this is the age when students begin to find their voice, so joining one of our Student Voice Groups to influence how MVA is run could be a great place to start, as well as getting involved in our School Trips if you haven't before. Additionally, we offer a range of extracurricular activities, from After School Clubs to the World Changers programme, all designed to support your interests and passions outside of the classroom.

After School Clubs
Read More

Join extracurricular clubs like Art, Film Production, Debating, Photography, and Young Entrepreneurs to broaden your interests and encourage independent learning.

Student Interest Groups

Ages 13 - 14

Read More

Pre- GCSE

Student Voice Groups

Ages 14 - 16

Read More

GCSE

World Changers

Ages 16 - 18

Read More

A LEVEL

BTEC

Wellbeing Programme

Ages 16 - 18

Read More

A LEVEL

BTEC

Drop-In Sessions

Ages 16 - 18

Read More

A LEVEL

BTEC

After School Tutoring

Ages 16 - 18

Read More

A LEVEL

BTEC

Guest Speakers

Ages 16 - 18

Read More

A LEVEL

BTEC

School Trips

Ages 16 - 18

Read More

A LEVEL

BTEC

Years 7-8

COMING SOON

Year 9

GCSE

Sixth Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Head here for the main MVA FAQ. Read on for GCSE online specific questions.
Where do I take my exams?
MVA students sit exams and receive official qualifications just like at a 'traditional' school. They travel to their closest exam centre (accessible all across the UK and worldwide) when the time comes. We help organise this with parents, but it's worth noting that each exam also comes with a separate entrance fee.
What exam boards do you follow?
We follow the iGCSE exam board, set by Cambridge Assessment and Pearson Edexcel. iGCSEs are becoming one of the most popular exam boards in the UK.
Is Minerva's Virtual Academy accredited?
We follow the iGCSE exam board, set by Cambridge Assessment and Pearson Edexcel. iGCSEs are becoming one of the most popular exam boards in the UK.
Do I need to be British National to study GCSE online at MVA?
You do not have to be a British National, nor reside in the UK, to achieve these qualifications.
Is it possible to study GCSE subjects that aren’t on the above list?
Absolutely, private tuition can be arranged through Minerva Tutors for any students who wish to take extra subjects, or need extra help with subjects they find challenging. We currently have pupils studying for additional iGCSE's in Mandarin and Economics. Some pupils who are already very advanced in their subjects may also take A Levels alongside their GCSEs.

How do I enrol?

Choose your subjects from the list above, then head to Admissions - our Enrolment Form should take no more than 20 minutes to complete!

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