British Private School Education, now on Gulf Standard Time (GST)
🌏Flexible online learning for students aged 13–15, designed for families across the Gulf, Middle East, East Africa, and neighbouring regions
📚 Offering International GCSEs
⭐ Accredited by the UK Department for Education
Book a 1:1 Family Consultation
Who is the GST Timetable for?
The GST timetable will initially welcome students into Years 9 and 10 (ages 13–15), with plans to expand to younger year groups as the community grows.
Sixth Form students entering Year 12 (age 16+) will continue to follow the A Level programme on the UK (British Summertime) timetable, with the flexibility to sit exams abroad.
Students studying towards International GCSEs on the GST timetable will also benefit from the option to sit their exams remotely using Pearson’s Remote Invigilation Service, offering added flexibility for families across the region.
Flexible Online Learning
on Gulf Standard Time
Minerva’s Virtual Academy (MVA) is an award-winning British private school, accredited by the DfE and recognised by Ofsted, offering flexible online learning to students aged 11 to 18. From September 2025, families across the Gulf, Middle East, East Africa, and neighbouring regions can join through a dedicated Gulf Standard Time (GST) timetable — designed to fit naturally around local routines and family life.
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Why families choose the
GST timetable:
✔ Small classes with experienced UK teachers
✔ Afternoon live lessons and mornings free for independent study
✔ Personal mentors for every student
✔ Cambridge International-accredited Lower Secondary curriculum (Year 9)
✔ Pearson-accredited International GCSE qualifications
✔ International GCSE exams can be taken remotely via Pearson’s Remote Invigilation Service (RIS)
✔ Careers and Futures programme to guide students towards top universities and professional opportunities
✔ After-school clubs, wellbeing sessions, and assemblies with students from the UK and 60+ countries worldwide
✔ Dedicated onboarding and in-person meetups from day one
✔ Regional meet-ups and international trip programme to follow launch
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Flexible Online Learning
for Athletes on Gulf Standard Time
🎯 Two Plan A’s: Sport and Study, Side by Side
MVA’s GST timetable gives student-athletes and academies the flexibility to train like professionals in the morning and study like scholars in the afternoon — without having to choose between sport and education.
This innovative structure allows athletes to:
🕘 Train during peak physical hours (mornings)
📚 Attend live online lessons and study independently in the afternoon
📈 Progress towards top academic qualifications without compromise
👟 Study with like-minded athletes
"Moving between countries made it hard for my son to have a consistent education, but Minerva solved that problem. He now has stability, excellent teachers and the tools to prepare him for university"
Maria - Parent of A Level Student
"Minerva’s Virtual Academy has been a game-changer for our family. With the flexibility to study from anywhere, my daughter has been able to balance her academics with her swimming training and she's thriving in both!"
Fatima - Parent of Year 11 Student
"We wanted the best of both worlds—world-class education and the ability to stay close as a family—and Minerva has delivered that. The teachers are incredible and my daughter feels truly supported in her studies"
James - Parent of Year 7 Student
Enrolments are now open for September 2025 Bringing a world-class British education, fully online, to families across the Gulf and beyond
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Senior School students at MVA study up to nine subjects and work towards iGCSE qualifications, the pathway to A Levels & beyond.
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The MVA Sixth Form is one of the most unique in the world, join us as we prepare our students for future success, in the UK, globally, at university, and in life.
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Local meet-ups will begin during the first term across the Gulf and neighbouring regions, with a full regional and international trip programme launching in 2026.
Faculty & Teachers
Our dedicated and experienced faculty bring diverse backgrounds and expertise, ensuring your child receives
world-class instruction and personalised support to thrive academically and beyond.
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Founder & CEO
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Principal
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Vice Principal Academic
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Vice Principal Pastoral
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Assistant Vice Principal
Designated Safeguarding Lead
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Assistant Vice Principal
Teaching & Learning
MVA fees are paid annually for 3 terms of schooling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gulf Standard Time (GST) timetable?
The GST timetable offers live lessons in the afternoon and independent study in the morning, aligning with family life and school routines in the Gulf, Middle East, East Africa, and neighbouring regions (UTC+3 to UTC+5). Students still follow the same distinctive MVA approach, but with a schedule tailored to suit the region.
Do GST students follow the same curriculum as UK-based students?
Yes. Students follow the full British curriculum — including the Cambridge International-accredited Lower Secondary curriculum in Year 9 and Pearson-accredited International GCSE qualifications. GST students also benefit from MVA’s unique Careers and Futures programme.
Will GST students be part of the wider MVA community?
Absolutely. GST students are fully part of MVA’s international community, joining assemblies, after-school clubs, and wellbeing sessions with peers from the UK and over 60 countries worldwide. They also have access to local meetups and an international trip programme from 2026.
Is this suitable for families who move within the region?
Yes. The GST timetable is flexible and well-suited to families who may relocate within the region or internationally, while still following the same trusted MVA model.
What are the technical requirements for students?
Students need a reliable internet connection, a laptop or desktop computer, and access to Microsoft Teams and MVA’s online learning platforms. Our admissions team can advise on recommended setups.
What year groups are available on the GST timetable?
The GST timetable will initially welcome students into Years 9 and 10 (ages 13–15) from September 2025, with plans to expand into younger year groups as the community grows. Sixth Form students (Years 12–13) will continue to follow the A Level programme on the UK timetable.
Can GST students take their exams locally?
Yes. Students studying International GCSEs can sit their exams remotely via Pearson’s Remote Invigilation Service (RIS), meaning they do not need to travel internationally to complete their qualifications.
Is this suitable for families who move within the region?
Yes. The GST timetable is flexible and well-suited to families who may relocate within the region or internationally, while still following the same trusted MVA model.
How does online school at MVA work?
Students attend live lessons delivered by experienced UK teachers, complete independent learning tasks, and work closely with a personal mentor. They also take part in clubs, assemblies, and wellbeing sessions — all delivered online, with optional in-person activities.
How is MVA different from homeschooling?
At MVA, students are part of a structured school, with live lessons, dedicated teachers, a pastoral mentor, and a full extracurricular programme — all delivered online. This means students enjoy the flexibility of learning from home, but with all the benefits of belonging to a real school community.
Does MVA consider cultural and regional needs?
Yes. The GST timetable has been carefully designed to respect local customs and routines — for example, there are no live lessons on Friday afternoons, in line with common regional weekends. MVA also fosters an inclusive and respectful community for all students, wherever they are based.
Join a Diverse Community of Students from Around the World
Book a 1:1 no obligation Family Consultation Session with our International Students Admissions Team