Phoenix is pleased to announce its latest investment in Minerva’s Virtual Academy (‘MVA’), the fastest growing school in the UK.

Founded in 2021 by CEO Hugh Viney, MVA was built on the foundational belief that every child should enjoy school, placing student happiness, mental health, and safety at the absolute centre of its learning model to meet the growing demand for a more personalised education.

Since its launch, MVA has quickly grown to serve more than 1,500 full-time students across 60 countries, delivering a flexible British curriculum education through MVA’s Virtual Learning Platform including live teacher-led lessons.

MVA’s unique educational philosophy prioritises student wellbeing, confidence and interdisciplinary learning. Every pupil receives weekly one-to-one mentoring, access to 40+ after school clubs, regular school trips, and meet-ups with other families in the MVA community. MVA is fully accredited by the Department for Education (‘DFE’) and received a glowing Ofsted report following its last inspection.

MVA will continue to be led by its founding team with no change to its mission ‘to provide a world-class alternative to traditional schooling that puts the whole child first – academically, emotionally, and socially’.

Over the decades, Phoenix has supported multiple founder-led business to grow their offering to new heights. What separates Phoenix is its promise to partners: founders are empowered to preserve the same cultural values that underpinned their success in the first place.

With Phoenix’s support, MVA will broaden access to an outstanding education for those students and families whose needs and goals are not well served by traditional institutions. The partnership will also facilitate further international expansion and increased investment in MVA’s community and student experience.

Hugh Viney, Founder and CEO, MVA, said:

“Phoenix is the best possible investor we could have hoped for. They are fully aligned on everything that makes MVA special, and we’re excited to be working with Ben, Chris, and their team for the next chapter of MVA.”

Benedict Holden, Investment Director at Phoenix Equity Partners, said:

“The first time we met Hugh we were struck by his energy, vision and commitment to MVA’s students. As we’ve gotten to know his team we’ve been continually impressed by the dedication, quality and depth of talent he has brought together in service of MVA’s school community.”

Chris Neale, Partner at Phoenix Equity Partners, said:

“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to support Hugh, his team and the wider MVA community on their mission to give all children the chance to enjoy and benefit from a modern, flexible and inclusive education.  The school motto says it all, ‘Vigemus Una – together we’ll thrive’.