Policy In Focus: Virtual Schools - Education's Hidden Asset
This Policy in Focus report profiles Virtual Schools - exploring their use, sucesss, and how forthcoming changes could impact on demand for these services.
The County Councils Network’s (CCN) Policy in Focus series focuses on more niche yet vital services its members deliver - offering a deep dive into current issues faced specifically by county councils and unitary councils.
This report examines the evolution and growing importance of virtual schools, a local authority function established to champion the education of children in care.
Over the past decade, virtual schools have become a highly effective but often overlooked part of children’s services, improving attainment, reducing exclusions and strengthening links between councils, schools and wider partners.
Recent government reforms have expanded the remit of virtual schools to include children with a social worker, reflecting confidence in their impact and alignment with wider priorities on early help and SEND reform.
However, we highlight that this expansion brings significant risks if it is not accompanied by clearer role definition, consistency of practice and adequate resourcing.
Without this, there is a danger that the success of virtual schools for children in care could be diluted.
The report sets out the following recommendations for policymakers:
- Conduct a national review of virtual schools to define their future role and scope.
- Ensure local leaders understand and support the strategic purpose of virtual schools.
- Clarify nationally that virtual schools are primarily strategic, not case‑working services.
- Strengthen expectations on schools to share data with virtual schools.
- Consider how virtual schools can contribute strategically to SEND reform.
- Allocate pupil premium plus for previously looked‑after children to virtual schools.