Minerva Virtual Academy has launched its Abu Dhabi community, marking its entry into the UAE education landscape amid growing interest in alternative schooling models that focus on flexibility and student wellbeing.
The British online school, accredited by the UK Department for Education, introduced its presence at an event held at the VOGO Hotel, attended by parents, educators and education sector stakeholders from across the country.
Abu Dhabi launch
The event highlighted the school’s hybrid online learning model, which combines live virtual classes, independent study and weekly one-to-one mentoring. School leaders said the approach is designed to support students who may not thrive in traditional classroom settings.
Minerva Virtual Academy was founded in the UK in 2020 and currently serves more than 1,400 students in over 60 countries. The move into Abu Dhabi reflects rising demand in the Gulf for personalised education options, particularly among globally mobile families.
Learning model
According to the school, its structure allows students to progress at an individual pace while following a British curriculum. The model is often chosen by families with elite athletes, performers, high-achieving students and neurodivergent learners.
During the launch, attendees heard from students and parents based in the UAE, and took part in sessions explaining how online learning can be integrated into daily family life.
“We believe education must adapt to the child — not the other way around,” said Hugh Viney, Founder & CEO of Minerva Virtual Academy. “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
The school’s regional engagement is led by Vice Principal Harry Allen, who has more than 20 years of education experience across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
“MVA isn’t just another online platform,” said Allen. “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.”
Although lessons are delivered online, the school said community engagement remains a priority. Families in the UAE are expected to benefit from local meet-ups, enrichment activities and study hubs.
Over the coming months, Minerva Virtual Academy plans to expand its UAE presence through partnerships aimed at increasing extracurricular opportunities and in-person study spaces, as interest in flexible and wellbeing-focused education continues to grow across the region.
