Minerva Virtual Academy is set to transform how students across the Middle East access world-class education. Launching a dedicated Gulf Standard Time (GST) timetable from September 2025, the award-winning British online school will bring live lessons, mentoring, and a full school experience to families across the Gulf, East Africa, and neighbouring regions.
With waiting lists for schools in the UAE and Saudi Arabia reaching all-time highs, Minerva Virtual Academy’s expansion aims to offer students aged 13–15 a smart alternative. The award-winning, fully accredited online school is known for its personalised, student-first approach, and now brings that same experience to a new regional audience — without the constraints of traditional bricks-and-mortar schooling.
At the helm of this regional expansion is Harry Allen, a respected educator and inclusivity leader currently serving as Assistant Head of Secondary at GEMS International School in Dubai. Allen has been appointed Middle East Vice Principal at Minerva Virtual Academy (MVA), bringing with him more than two decades of international education leadership across Asia, Africa, and the Gulf.
Speaking from the local region, where he resides with his family, Allen said
“Minerva Virtual Academy is more than just a screen. It’s an online school that creates a very personal connection between the educators, the students, and the families. I think it’s a school that’s about its people, it’s a school that’s about its students, and it’s a school that’s about the well-being of its students. It’s very different to other online schools and I am very excited at the prospect of this next stage in its growth and being an integral part of how it helps to shape the future of education.”
Meeting Middle East Demand with a Future-Focused Online Schooling Model
Minerva Virtual Academy has grown from just four students in 2020 to over 1,200 students in 60 countries. Its Middle East expansion — via a new Gulf Standard Time (GST) stream — allows learners to join live lessons during their local school day and access the same high-quality British curriculum enjoyed by peers around the world.
Students in Years 9 and 10 will begin on the new timetable, while the remaining year groups will continue on the existing UK schedule, with flexible international exam options for Year 12 and 13 (A Level). The school also offers remote exam invigilation through Pearson, further simplifying the learning journey for international students.
Founder Hugh Viney shared his excitement about the expansion:
“Harry’s wealth of experience in international education and inclusivity together with his home in Dubai has given him unrivalled knowledge of how a school should work in the Middle East. He will be the driving force we need to expand our community in the most positive way for the region.” We are thrilled he is joining us and I know he will deliver the best that education has to offer to our new cohort joining us in September. He shares our ethos that all children have the right to the education that suits them and this appointment is very much part of our determination to eliminate any possible compromises they may have to make to succeed.”
Real-World Learning, Regional Support, and Global Community
Students joining the GST stream will be fully integrated into the Minerva Virtual Academy community, participating in assemblies, after-school clubs, and social rooms with students from the UK and worldwide. Weekly GST community sessions, enrichment clubs, and future trip programmes will ensure regional students enjoy both online flexibility and in-person connection.
“Flexibility should never mean isolation,” said Principal Suzanne Lindley. “Our GST students will experience all the benefits of our international network while having a tailored experience that fits their needs. There will be local meet-ups and we are also planning a full regional and international trip programme to follow — giving GST students the best of both worlds: meaningful online connections and lasting in-person friendships.”
With enrolments now open for September, Minerva Virtual Academy invites families across the Gulf to discover a smarter, more personalised way to access British education online — with no compromises.
About Minerva Virtual Academy
Founded in 2020 by Hugh Viney, Minerva Virtual Academy is a DfE-accredited online independent school based in the UK. The school has grown from just four students to over 1,200 learners across 60 countries. The new GST timetable will initially cater to students in Years 9 and 10 (ages 13–15), with the remaining year groups continuing on the UK schedule, with international exam flexibility for Sixth Form (A Level) students. Students in the new stream will also benefit from Pearson’s Remote Invigilation Service, enabling them to sit International GCSEs from their home country.
For further information visit the MVA website: