Online independent school Minerva’s Virtual Academy (MVA) has recruited a Global Education Advisory Board (GEAB), comprising industry leaders to guide the school’s global expansion plans, National World has reported.

The board incudes specialists in education, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, ed tech and risk management, as well as campaigners and advocates for education policy change.

The seven-member board will also advise MVA on technological innovation, safeguarding, and hybrid educational partnerships.

Since launching in 2021, MVA has expanded to enrol more than 1,000 pupils aged 11 to 18, with projections to double in size to 2,000 pupils by the end of this year.

The board members

Durgan Cooper is a cybersecurity specialist and entrepreneur with more than 30 years’ experience in IT infrastructure, cyber resilience and national defence. A specialist reserve officer in the British Army, he supports national cyber defence efforts and advises governments and critical infrastructure operators on securing complex digital environments.

Dan Fitzpatrick is a specialist in ed tech and author of ‘The AI Classroom’, who helps educators integrate artificial intelligence into learning environments.

Mark Steed has experience of heading schools internationally, including Kellett School in Hong Kong and Jumeirah English Speaking School in Dubai. He chaired the UK Independent Schools Council IT Strategy Group and has held leadership roles at The Heads Conference.

Todd Viney is a specialist in compliance, risk and audit management with a background in comparative politics and global affairs, who helps organisations navigate complex international regulatory frameworks and manage operational risks strategically.

Al Kingsley is chief executive of NetSupport and chair of a multi-academy trust, whose books include ‘My Secret #EdTech Diary’ and ‘The Awkward Questions in Education’.

Ellie Costello is an advocate for policy and systemic change for students facing barriers to education, who co-authored ‘Square Pegs’, gave evidence to the Education Select Committee, and who is Parliamentary vice co-chair for the Council for Disabled Children’s Special Education Consortium.

Euan MacLean is the founder and chief executive of &Parents, which specialises in fostering collaboration between schools and families. He has leadership experience in online schooling as a principal and head of education operations.

MVA’s founder and chief executive Hugh Viney said: “The launch of our Global Education Advisory Board signifies a major step forward for Minerva Virtual Academy. The incredible depth and breadth of experience our GEAB members bring is unparalleled. Their leadership will be pivotal in our ongoing journey to redefine education globally, ensuring exceptional governance standards, innovation, and inclusivity.”