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As parents, the choices you make about your child’s education are some of the most critical decisions you’ll ever face. For many, the traditional private school route has been the go-to for a top-tier education. However, with the recent VAT increase on private school fees in the UK, more families are reconsidering the value proposition. I believe that Minerva’s Virtual Academy offers a compelling alternative, especially for those looking to transition from the private school system. Here’s why.
The UK government's decision to implement VAT on private school fees has meant the cost of private school education is set to rise significantly, making it less accessible to many families. This added financial burden prompts a reevaluation of what you're really getting for your money. At an average of £22,000 per year for private schooling (£38,000 for boarding), the costs are already steep without additional taxes. So, what if there was a way to give your child the same—if not better—quality of education at a fraction of the cost?
At MVA, our annual fee is just under £8,000—about a third of the cost of traditional private schooling. This significant savings allows families to invest in other important areas, whether it’s making lifestyle changes, investing in other areas, or even saving for university. The question isn’t just about what you’re paying for, but what you could do with the money saved. For example, some of our MVA families are making remarkable changes – uprooting to sail around the world while their children learn online.
One of the most common concerns parents have about moving from traditional private schools is that their child will be 'lost in the crowd.' In fact, at MVA, our model ensures the opposite. We offer small class sizes that allow for more focused, individualised attention. The fact each student at MVA is paired with a 1:1 mentor is genuinely transformative for many of our students. Mentors are responsible for their mentee's academic progress and their personal wellbeing, helping not just with school work but, for example, helping mentees secure work experience in the holidays. This kind of individual attention is rare, even at top private schools.
This is the biggest question I get asked. If your lessons are all online, how do children develop the social skills needed in the wider world? It’s a valid concern, and we’ve addressed it by integrating social development into the heart of our curriculum. At MVA, students engage in virtual assemblies, after-school clubs, and group projects to build communication and teamwork skills before meeting up on regular in-person school trips. In today’s digital world, mastering online interactions is essential, and our students are well-equipped to develop these skills alongside their academics. Furthermore, 60% of our students’ learning is self-directed, on a virtual learning platform without teachers, which fosters independent thinking and self-discipline, essential skills for the modern world.
We're proud of our global network, which hugely benefits our students, too. While 75% of our students are from the UK, the other 25% come from all around the world. This means our students are growing up with friends from every corner of the globe—building connections that will be invaluable as they grow older.
The world is changing rapidly, and education must evolve to keep up. Online learning isn’t just an emergency response to a pandemic; it’s a forward-thinking approach that recognises the power of technology to enhance education. At Minerva’s Virtual Academy, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this educational revolution, providing a world-class, affordable alternative to traditional schooling, embedding an AI-literate culture in our curriculum and constantly reevaluating what we teach to stay relevant.
I hope I have answered your questions about why MVA is a fantastic choice if you are considering switching from traditional private schools. Book a Discovery Call with our brilliant Admissions team, and they’ll guide you through the next steps.
We look forward to welcoming your child soon.
