Educator’s Corner

How did Minerva Virtual Academy become the UK's fastest growing school? In conversation with Hugh Viney

11 Sep 2025

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With 1.28 million students persistently absent from school in the UK, it’s clear that the traditional classroom isn’t the right fit for everyone. But what does that mean for the future of education? For many families, the answer lies online. In this episode, Kai talks to Hugh Viney, founder and CEO of Minerva Virtual Academy. Starting with just four students in 2021, Minerva now supports over 1,200 learners worldwide. It has become the UK’s fastest-growing school and a shining example of how online learning can help meet the diverse needs of today’s students. They discuss:Why online education is better than traditional schooling for some familiesHow Minerva Virtual Academy grew from 4 to 1,200 students in just four yearsThe role of one-to-one mentoring, flexibility, and community in student successHugh’s vision for the future of global educationIn this episode, Kai and Hugh discuss:2:48 Which students thrive at Minerva Virtual Academy?5:36 Inside the flipped model, where 60% of lessons are self-directed6:11 How MVA ensures every student gets personalised attention7:13 Building a real global community8:43 What does a typical week at MVA look like?22:24 The real impact of virtual learning on results and attendance27:25 How MVA plans to expand beyond the UKAbout Our GuestHugh Viney is the founder and CEO of Minerva Virtual Academy, the UK’s fastest-growing school. Launched in 2021, Minerva serves over a thousand students across 60 countries, offering GCSEs and A-levels through a flexible online model that combines self-directed learning, live lessons, and weekly one-to-one mentoring. Hugh is also the founder of Minerva Tutors and has been recognised as a pioneer in reshaping education for the modern era.ResourcesMinerva Virtual Academy websiteClasslist (Parent community app)Pupil absence in schools in England. Autumn 2024/25KaiPod NewsEnjoyed this episode? Keep the conversation going with KaiPod News — a fortnightly newsletter from Kai Vacher sharing fresh insights, stories, and strategies from education leaders around the world. Subscribe here.Related episodes:Episode 20 - Going Remote: the solution to the teacher recruitment crisis? With Mark SteedEpisode 13 - Why AI must not replace teachers. With Priya LakhaniCreditsHosted by Kai VacherA BSM BSS productionPost-production by Communicating for Impact

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13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

10:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

2ª PARTE | 06 ENE 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

01 Jan 1970

El Partidazo de COPE

3ª PARTE | 22 ENE 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

01 Jan 1970

El Partidazo de COPE

3ª PARTE | 04 MAR 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

01 Jan 1970

El Partidazo de COPE

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Educator’s Corner

How did Minerva Virtual Academy become the UK's fastest growing school? In conversation with Hugh Viney

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet

Other recent transcribed episodes

13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

10:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

2ª PARTE | 06 ENE 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

3ª PARTE | 22 ENE 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

3ª PARTE | 04 MAR 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

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