Grant Thornton advises Minerva Virtual Academy

Founded in 2021, Minerva Virtual Academy (“MVA”) is an award-winning, DfE-accredited online school for students aged 11–18, delivering an innovative flexible UK curriculum.

It has scaled rapidly as the fastest growing school in the UK, online or otherwise, and now serves over 1,500 students across the UK, Europe and the Middle East. MVA delivers flexible learning for students with diverse needs – from athletes and performers, to families seeking a modern lifestyle fit, to learners with SEND or SEMH. MVA’s differentiated proposition combines a flipped learning model, 1-2-1 mentoring and a bespoke learning platform centred around the school’s community. Alongside the school, the business operates a premium online tutoring business and a B2B hybrid service to schools and sports academies.

Having built a strong relationship with the Founder & CEO over several years, Grant Thornton was appointed to deliver a new partner for the next stage of MVA’s growth.

Grant Thornton ran a highly competitive process, generating significant interest from leading global mid-market PE funds and trade consolidators. 

Working closely with management, Grant Thornton built a highly compelling equity story around MVA’s numerous growth levers, the substantial market opportunity and its differentiated market positioning.

Leveraging a high number of inbound approaches, we drove further interest through early-stage fireside chats before going to market in March 2026. This momentum followed through, receiving over 15 first round offers.

In a competitive second round, bidders received detailed management presentations, a full suite of vendor financial and commercial due diligence, and credit-approved lender terms.

Following final offers, Phoenix Equity Partners emerged as the preferred investor, with close alignment on the market opportunity supported by the great relationship they had built with the MVA team. 

After a short exclusivity period, the deal was completed within 12 weeks of launching the IM, delivering a highly supportive investor and a market-leading result for shareholders.