GCSEs · Functional Skills · Pearson Exam Centre

Specialist Online Alternative Provision for Young People Aged 11 to 18.

Live online alternative provision supporting schools, local authorities, hospitals and care providers, with personalised education for young people who need a different route to success.

Inclusive pathways around each learner

Education that meets learners where they are.

From neurodivergent learners and SEND to school refusers and young people in care, we create supportive, flexible routes back into meaningful learning.

Nonprofit community transforming lives

Purpose before profit. Possibility for every learner.

As a not for profit organisation, all income is reinvested into our mission, funding dedicated staff, educational resources, student support and opportunities that help learners thrive.

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Learner participating in live virtual education Education team supporting learners
Purpose ledEducation built around possibility
Our Non Profit Mission

More than an educational institution, a community committed to transforming lives.

At Virtual Learning College, we are more than an educational institution, we are a nonprofit community committed to transforming lives through learning.

Our mission is to empower learners through accessible, innovative, and personalised education, delivered in a dynamic virtual environment where diversity is celebrated, excellence is nurtured, and every student is supported to reach their full potential.

As a not for profit organisation, any surplus income is reinvested into our mission, helping to fund dedicated staff, educational resources and the personalised support our learners need to succeed. We believe education should not just be available, but equitable, and we work every day to remove barriers that stand in the way of a child’s learning journey.

Through cutting edge technology, tailored learning pathways, and a dedicated team of educators, we provide a transformative educational experience that transcends borders and empowers young people to thrive in an ever changing global landscape.

Our mission is rooted in the belief that education unlocks doors, broadens horizons, and creates lasting, positive change.

We’re not just shaping minds, we’re shaping futures.

And as a nonprofit, our purpose is not profit, it’s possibility. We are driven by a deep responsibility to innovate, collaborate, and inspire, so that every learner, no matter their background, has the opportunity to dream boldly, learn freely, and build a brighter tomorrow.

Information Booklet

The Virtual Learning College Information Booklet

Explore our learning approach, support, curriculum and referral journey.

Download Now
Virtual Learning College prospectus
Harborne Youth Football Club player holding a team shirt sponsored by Virtual Learning College
Community Sponsorship

Supporting Grassroots Football

As part of our commitment to creating positive opportunities for young people, Virtual Learning College is proud to sponsor Harborne Youth Football Club's team kit. We believe that grassroots sport plays a vital role in building confidence, teamwork, resilience, and wellbeing, helping young people thrive both on and off the pitch.

Recognised Standards

Proud to Be an Approved Exam Centre

Supporting learners through recognised qualifications, professional exam preparation and a trusted assessment pathway.

Virtual Learning College video
Specialist Alternative Provision

A flexible online route for young people who cannot currently access mainstream education.

We work with schools, local authorities, hospitals and care providers to create structured, supportive pathways for young people aged 11 to 18.

Who We Support

Support shaped around individual circumstances

Provision can be tailored for learners whose needs or circumstances make mainstream attendance difficult.

  • Autism and ADHD
  • EBSA, SEMH and anxiety
  • School refusal
  • Young people in care
  • Medical needs
  • Excluded learners
What We Offer

Live teaching with recognised qualification routes

Students can access a focused academic programme alongside the flexibility of specialist online alternative provision.

GCSE English GCSE Maths GCSE Science ESOL Functional Skills English Level 1 & 2 Functional Skills Maths Level 1 & 2 Entry Level English Entry Level Maths
What Schools Receive

Clear reporting, communication and review

Referring organisations receive practical information to understand attendance, progress, safeguarding and next steps.

  • Attendance reports
  • Progress reports
  • Safeguarding communication
  • Reintegration support
  • Exam preparation
Inclusive Learning

Adaptations for SEND Learners

Our teaching approach can be adapted around individual SEND needs, helping learners access lessons in a structured, supportive and manageable way.

Emotional Wellbeing

SEMH Support

  • Regulation breaks built into lesson plans
  • Therapeutic check-ins before and after sessions
  • Flexible approaches and low-stimulus learning
  • Positive behaviour reinforcement strategies
Structured Support

ASC Adaptations

  • Visual timetables and structured routines
  • Clear, literal instructions with visual support
  • Advance notice of changes to activities or routine
  • Reduced sensory demands where appropriate
Accessible Communication

Communication Needs

  • Colourful Semantics and visual communication aids
  • Pre-teaching of key vocabulary before each topic
  • Simplified task instructions with visual scaffolding
  • Alternative recording methods where appropriate
Learning Support

Cognition & Learning

  • Scaffolded worksheets with graduated difficulty
  • Concrete-pictorial-abstract approaches to new concepts
  • Repetition and retrieval practice built into sessions
  • Extended processing time and chunked instructions
Our Impact Focus We believe every young person deserves access to high quality education, regardless of anxiety, illness, SEND, exclusion risk or personal circumstance.
Improved attendanceIncreased confidenceQualification achievementRe engagement with learning
Why Choose Virtual Learning College

Specialist delivery with the monitoring and standards referrers need.

Our model combines qualified live teaching, SEND aware support and clear reporting so learners and referring organisations remain connected to progress.

Qualified Teachers

Experienced, qualified teaching staff provide structured instruction, feedback and academic guidance.

Live Online Lessons

Real time teaching keeps learners connected to tutors, able to ask questions and actively participate.

SEND Focused Delivery

Flexible teaching can be adapted around SEND, emotional wellbeing and individual barriers to learning.

Attendance Monitoring

Engagement and attendance are monitored so referring organisations have a clear view of participation.

Progress Tracking

Ongoing assessment and tutor feedback help identify progress, gaps and the next learning priorities.

Monthly Reports

Regular reporting gives schools and professionals useful evidence of attendance, progress and engagement.

Small Class Sizes

Smaller groups support participation, individual attention and a calmer, more responsive learning environment.

Pearson Approved Centre

Pearson centre services strengthen the pathway from teaching and preparation through to recognised assessment support.

Students We Support

Flexible support for learners who need a different route to success.

Personalised learning pathways help students reconnect with education in a way that feels safe, achievable and meaningful.

Neurodivergent learner supported through flexible education
Inclusive Learning

Neurodivergent Learners

Tailored support and inclusive learning strategies for students with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent profiles.

Autism and ADHD supportDyslexia aware teachingFlexible live guidance
Explore student support
Behaviour Support

Challenging Behaviour

Specialist programs designed to engage learners with behavioural difficulties and support emotional regulation and growth.

SEND Support

SEND

Comprehensive educational support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, promoting accessibility and progress.

Attendance Pathways

School Refusers

Flexible, home based learning options for young people struggling with traditional school environments and attendance.

Care Support

Young People in Care

Empowering education tailored to the unique needs of looked after children, with a focus on consistency and wellbeing.

Parenting Support

Teenage Mums

Flexible learning paths for young mothers, helping them balance education with parenting responsibilities and future goals.

Personalised Route

Every Learner Matters

We focus on the individual, providing a route that responds to need, confidence, pace and long term goals.

Talk to Our Team
Student Support

Need Support With Learning, Stress or Confidence?

Sometimes students need more than a course. They need someone to guide them, listen to them, and help them take the next step with confidence.

Our support page gives simple help for exam stress, emotional wellbeing, and everyday challenges students may face while learning.

Exam StressSimple tips to feel calmer.
Talk to SomeoneFind people who can help.
Support ServicesTrusted contacts in one place.
Feel SupportedSmall steps can help a lot.
Student support and listening
Virtual Learning College

A smarter way to explore our college.

Flip through our current information booklet in a clean interactive viewer, or save the PDF for later.

Interactive pagesCurrent college informationEasy PDF access
Information Booklet
VLCLearn anywhere.
Succeed everywhere.
Parent Reviews

What families say about virtual learning with us.

Real feedback about engagement, flexibility, confidence and the quality of live online teaching.

“

My child really enjoys the live online lessons. The interactive activities and group discussions have helped keep them engaged and excited about learning.

Parent Review
★★★★★
“

I really enjoy the live online lessons because I can learn from the comfort of my home. The lessons are interactive, and I like being able to ask questions in real time.

Parent Review
★★★★★
“

The virtual learning setup has been a game changer for my son. The structure, support, and flexibility have helped him regain confidence in his studies.

Parent Review
★★★★★
“

I was unsure about online learning at first, but the quality of teaching has really impressed me. The tutors are engaging and approachable, and my daughter actually looks forward to her lessons!

Parent Review
★★★★★
“

The use of breakout rooms and small groups makes learning interactive. It feels like a real classroom, but from the comfort of home.

Parent Review
★★★★★
Privacy & Protection

Information Security & Data Protection

Clear safeguards, responsible data handling and recognised standards help us protect the information entrusted to Virtual Learning College.

Your Information Is Stored Safely

We take privacy seriously and handle personal information responsibly. Appropriate safeguards are used to protect learner, parent and partner information throughout their journey with Virtual Learning College.

Data Protection & Privacy

Virtual Learning College is committed to protecting personal information and complying with UK data protection legislation.

Registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) Registration Number: ZC181510
Responsible Handling Information is managed carefully throughout every stage of your journey.
Secure Storage Appropriate safeguards help protect the information entrusted to us.
Privacy Focused Our processes are designed with confidentiality and responsible access in mind.

“Passionate about our work, we’re dedicated to empowering others to achieve success and build a brighter future.”

The Entire Team At Virtual Learning CollegePartner With Us