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Parents, students or curious learners – start here.
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When a Traditional School Setting Isn’t Working…

We partner with schools across the UK to deliver flexible, DfE-accredited education for students who need a different path, and we take care of all the admin and safeguarding.

Our provision is high-impact, low-pressure, and available for a highly competitive annual fee per student.

Refer A Student
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"Why schools trust MVA", by Suzanne, MVA Principal
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Why schools trust MVA
A note from Suzanne Lindley, Principal

“We know how hard it can be when a student doesn’t quite fit the shape of traditional schooling. That’s why we work closely with school heads and leaders to offer a flexible and trusted alternative, one that puts wellbeing first, takes pressure off internal teams and meets DfE-accredited standards for online learning.

Our main priority is to remove barriers to education for the students who need it most. I’m so proud of our school and what we can achieve for students who are thriving under a different approach.

We hope to speak with you soon and build a lasting relationship that truly benefits every student involved.

— Suzanne Lindley

Principal

What to expect

We partner with schools across the UK to support students who are struggling to thrive in mainstream settings, whether for mental health reasons, SEND, attendance issues, or personal challenges.

We’re a DfE-accredited online school offering flexible, high-quality education for students aged 11–18. Our dual enrolment model allows students to remain registered with your school while accessing daily online learning, personalised mentoring, and full safeguarding support through Minerva Virtual Academy.

Here’s how it works:

  • Dual Enrolment or Full Transfer – students can stay on roll at your school or fully transition to MVA
  • Live Lessons + Independent Study – aligned to the British curriculum, giving students structure with flexibility
  • Dedicated Personal Mentor for Every Student – this is where the real difference is made. Each student is matched with a personal mentor who meets with them weekly to offer academic guidance, emotional support, and practical strategies. For students who struggle in traditional school settings, this consistent relationship is often transformational.
  • Safeguarding & Attendance – fully aligned with DfE Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines, with daily/weekly reports shared as required
  • Exam Support – assistance with GCSE and A Level exam entries via your centre or our national exam network
  • Trips, Clubs & Community – online school doesn’t mean isolation. Students join regular in-person trips across the UK, virtual clubs, wellbeing sessions, and optional enrichment activities that connect them to a positive peer community that works for them

We’ll work closely with your DSL, SENDCO, or Pastoral Lead to ensure a smooth transition and continued support.

Who is Minerva Virtual Academy for?

MVA is ideal for schools looking to support students who:

  • Are struggling with anxiety, non-attendance, EBSA or school refusal

  • Have EHCPs or are undergoing assessment for SEND support

  • Need a calmer, more flexible learning environment

  • Would benefit from short-term online provision (e.g. while awaiting placement or reintegration)

  • Are gifted, neurodivergent, or managing other responsibilities (e.g. young carers, athletes)

We currently work with over 100 referring schools and local authorities, from independent boarding schools to inner-city academies.

Why Schools choose MVA

DfE-accredited provision (Ofsted visited us last year, and produced this report)

Supports EHCPs and LA referrals with full SEND oversight

Eases pressure on stretched school teams — we handle the admin, compliance, and reporting

Helps students re-engage with learning through personal mentoring and a calm, flexible environment

Flexible entry points — students can join at multiple points during the term, with referrals processed in days

Referral Process

1. Complete the form on this page and we'll be in touch directly

2. We’ll assess student suitability and walk you through our dual enrolment process

3. Upon agreement, we’ll issue safeguarding, data sharing, and attendance protocols

4. Student can begin learning with us in September, or start at one of our many entry points throughout the academic year

Contact Minerva Virtual Academy

We, at Southend Virtual School, have been very impressed with how MVA operates – and in particular how the HOY there has supported our young person over the last few terms, including attending and initiating regular meetings / contact with ourselves, his social worker and placement to discuss any issues and the addition of enrichment sessions to enhance his education offer.
Jen Peach
Google Review

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