As families increasingly prioritise not only academic achievement but also emotional wellbeing, flexibility and personal growth, alternative education models are gaining traction across the UAE. Responding to this shift, Minerva Virtual Academy, an award-winning British online school fully accredited by the UK Department for Education, has officially launched its Abu Dhabi community with a flagship event held at VOGO Hotel.
The launch brought together families, educators and education stakeholders from across the UAE to explore Minerva Virtual Academy’s hybrid schooling model, designed to deliver academic excellence alongside wellbeing, flexibility and confidence.
A Growing Demand for Flexible Education
Founded in the UK in 2020 with just four students, Minerva Virtual Academy today supports more than 1,400 families across over 60 countries. Its expansion into Abu Dhabi reflects growing demand across the Gulf for education models that adapt to the child, rather than expecting the child to adapt to rigid systems.
Long school days, exam pressure and inflexible structures have led many families to question whether traditional classrooms suit every learner. Minerva Virtual Academy positions itself as an alternative for those seeking a more personalised approach.
A Hybrid Model Designed Around the Learner
Minerva Virtual Academy’s approach blends structured live online lessons, self-paced independent study and weekly one-to-one mentoring. This ensures students receive individual attention while progressing at a pace aligned with their learning style.
The model is particularly suited to globally mobile families, elite athletes and performers, high-achieving students, and neurodivergent learners who may find traditional classroom environments challenging.
Voices from the Abu Dhabi Launch
The Abu Dhabi launch event featured keynote addresses by Founder and Chief Executive Officer Hugh Viney and Vice Principal Harry Allen, alongside first-hand stories from students and parents in the region. Interactive sessions demonstrated how the school’s model integrates into family life without compromising academic rigour. Hugh Viney, Founder & CEO of Minerva Virtual Academy said,
“We believe education must adapt to the child, not the other way around. MVA was created after seeing too many capable, creative children struggle in systems that weren’t designed for them. When students feel supported, understood and less pressured, they learn better. Our expansion into Abu Dhabi reflects our commitment to offering families in the Gulf a flexible, wellbeing-led alternative that still delivers outstanding academic outcomes.”
Regional Leadership and Cultural Understanding
Leading Minerva Virtual Academy’s regional engagement, Harry Allen brings more than 20 years of education experience across the Middle East, Asia and Africa, ensuring the school’s global ethos is delivered with strong cultural understanding. Allen said,
“MVA isn’t just another online platform. It’s a real school built on relationships between educators, students and families. For many parents, this isn’t about replacing school it’s about finding a school that finally works for their child.”
Building Community Beyond the Screen
While learning takes place online, community remains central to the Minerva Virtual Academy experience. Students and families benefit from regular local meet-ups, enrichment activities and study hubs, supporting social connection alongside academic growth.
Over the next six months, the school plans to deepen its presence across the UAE and wider GCC through strategic partnerships. These include a collaboration with 8BillionIdeas to expand extracurricular opportunities, in-person study hubs with ElevatED’s Learner’s Lounge, and the appointment of a dedicated regional Marketing and Community Manager.
Redefining What School Can Be
As awareness around student mental wellbeing, personalised learning pathways and educational flexibility continues to grow, Minerva Virtual Academy’s Abu Dhabi launch signals a broader evolution in how families across the region are redefining what school can and should look like.
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Further Reading:
- Minerva Virtual Academy Expands to the Gulf – Offers Flexible British Education
- Not Just Another Platform. It’s a School.