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Lawrence Tubb, ex-Wycombe Abbey, takes headship at Minerva’s Virtual Academy
September 2021, London – Online independent senior school, Minerva’s Virtual Academy has announced that Lawrence Tubb has taken over as Headmaster, in line with the new academic year. Previously Head of Education at The Academy, Mr Tubb has been instrumental in developing the school’s cutting-edge online learning platform since its launch and has been responsible for the day to day running of the school. He has taken over the headship from CEO, Hugh Viney, from September 2021, and is looking forward to growing the teacher and student community while leading the exciting and progressive direction of the school.
Prior to joining The Academy, Mr Tubb was Director of Music for nine years at top private school Wycombe Abbey and led a team of 45 full-time teachers taking on ambitious projects across multiple departments including leading several international concert tours. Prior to Wycombe Abbey, Mr Tubb also taught at Leweston School in Sherbourne as Head of Music.
In his role as Headmaster, Mr Tubb will be responsible for planning the school’s co-curricular programme, including its school-wide World Changers programme where pupils learn outside of the curriculum to solve real-world problems creatively. Working closely with teaching and mentoring staff in curating and creating resources, Mr Tubb will continue to build on the Academy’s principles and values of self-reliance, resilience and spirit of community.
He commented: “I joined Minerva’s Virtual Academy as Head of Education in 2019, having worked closely with our CEO, Hugh Viney, on developing the concept for the online school. My background has previously been teaching in mainstream private schools, yet over recent years, I have become passionate about the potential for a high-end, independent online school – one that would thrive on delivering a truly holistic educational experience to every pupil. I’m keen to ensure that our pupils excel both academically and pastorally, and in a way that provides a balance of structured learning with flexibility. I’m really excited to build on our thriving community of learners across the UK and around the world as they embark on their educational journey from the comfort and safety of their own home.”
The size of the school has more than doubled in the last few months alone, showing an upward trend for home-based education with a mix of virtual learning and live lessons with subject teachers. As well as providing an inspiring and engaging education for all pupils, Mr Tubb’s overarching priority for the next five years is to continue to expand the Academy while reinforcing its core values. Immediate plans for the start of the next academic year (September 2021) include the introduction of further subjects in Year 9-11 such as Psychology, Business Studies, Music and Art. Next year also sees the launch of the School’s Sixth Form in September 2022.
Mr Tubb continued: “Our pupils are from a variety of backgrounds, and I have always been struck by their resilience and good humour, particularly as many have joined us from disrupted educational experiences. The feeling of community is very strong, and our pupils have formed amazing bonds through studying and socialising together. We hold online socials every half term I am keen for us to hold ‘in-person’ Academy school trips throughout the coming academic year, in fact, our new pupils were already busy forming friendships ahead of their first day in September, which has been great to see.”
As well as launching a Sixth Form and expanding the range of subjects, clubs, lectures and co-curricular opportunities available to pupils, Mr Tubb says the Academy will be assessing and making judicious use of the best emerging EdTech resources to ensure it remains at the forefront of digital education.
He added: “I’m excited that high-quality online schooling at home is entering the public consciousness as a truly viable and positive option for children who, for any number of reasons, have not been enabled to fulfil their potential in traditional physical school. I look forward to making a positive difference as Head, across the whole Academy team, and to the education and lives of all pupils who come to us.”
