Minerva Virtual Academy launches Global Education Advisory Board to guide next stage of growth
UK online independent school announces new board of advisors focused on technology, support, and global expansion.
Photo credit: Minerva Virtual Academy
Minerva Virtual Academy has launched a Global Education Advisory Board to support its strategic development in areas including technology, student support, and international compliance.
The announcement was made in a LinkedIn post by Hugh Viney, Founder and CEO of Minerva Virtual Academy.
The advisory group brings together leaders from across education, policy, cybersecurity, and parental engagement. According to Viney, the board is intended to help the organization “level up everything we do in terms of technology, student support, and overall industry impact.”
Minerva Virtual Academy is an online independent school for students aged 12 to 18, launched in 2020 by the team behind Minerva Tutors. It provides full-time online education for GCSE and A-level students around the world, combining one-to-one academic support with group learning and project-based curriculum.
Minerva positions itself as an alternative to traditional schooling by offering flexible learning while maintaining structured community engagement and pastoral care.
Board members and areas of expertise
The newly formed board, consisting of six men and one woman, includes:
Dan Fitzpatrick, an AI in education expert and advisor on the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence in schools
Al Kingsley MBE, CEO of NetSupport and chair of a UK multi-academy trust, with experience in EdTech implementation and education governance
Mark Steed, international school leader and advocate for emerging technologies in education
Ellie Costello, policy advisor and co-author of Square Pegs, focused on accessibility and inclusion in UK schools
Euan MacLean, CEO of &Parents and specialist in inclusive school cultures and online education-parent engagement
Durgan Cooper, cybersecurity expert with experience across government and military sectors
Todd Viney, compliance and regulatory expert with experience in international risk and audit management
Strategic focus and global direction
The new board will play a role in guiding the school’s digital infrastructure, safeguarding strategy, and international operations as it enrolls more students globally.
Hugh Viney says, “This is a huge step for Minerva and, I believe, for education as a whole. We are committed to our mission – every child deserves an education they love. To now have this wealth of knowledge and experience also dedicated to that cause means we can do so much more.”
