90 Excellence in Schools
“Well-being is at the heart of everything” at Minerva Virtual Academy."
H osted 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. LEADING THE EXPANSION FROM THE GULF 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
Harry Allen, Middle East Vice Principal at Minerva Virtual Academy
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