About us

At Faria Online Schools, we provide flexible, high-quality online education that inspires, challenges, and supports learners to excel academically and personally – wherever they are in the world.

Our History

At the heart of Faria Online School's legacy lies Wolsey Hall Oxford, founded in 1894 by Joseph William Knipe as Britain’s first correspondence college. Over more than 130 years, it has pioneered distance learning – supporting notable students such as Sir Harold Evans and Nelson Mandela – and even launched the world’s first distance-learning MBA in partnership with Warwick Business School.

 

Since 2018, Wolsey Hall Oxford has operated as a registered Cambridge online school, guiding learners through Primary to A Level studies via a technology-driven, student-led model of learning.

 

Wolsey Hall for Schools then emerged to bring this proven expertise into formal school settings. It partners with schools worldwide to deliver flexible, high-quality learning solutions that expand curriculum choice, strengthen subject expertise, and help address teacher shortages. Approved by Cambridge International Education and backed by decades of experience, Wolsey Hall for Schools provides expertly designed online courses through a hybrid learning model that integrates seamlessly with traditional classrooms, offering structured, guided, and flexible pathways tailored to the diverse needs and ambitions of every learner.

 

In 2020, Pamoja joined the Faria family as the first online course provider approved by the International Baccalaureate (“IB”), delivering full IB Diploma Programme courses online in collaboration with IB World Schools. With over 15 years of expertise, Pamoja has supported more than 20,000 students worldwide, offering flexible, high-quality IB learning powered by expert teachers and innovative digital platforms.

 

Together, these three schools form Faria Online Schools – a global network built on over a century of educational innovation, dedicated to unlocking student potential through flexible, supportive, outcome-focused online learning.

Our Schools

  •

    Cambridge online learning that supports students’ growth within their school environment.

    Wolsey Hall for Schools

  • Online IB Diploma – our school provides the flexibility and expert support alongside the student’s school life.

    Pamoja

  • Homeschooling without limits – learn how, when, and where you choose, with expert support.

    Wolsey Hall Oxford

Faria Online Schools Values

  • Student-Centred Excellence 

    We place students at the heart of everything we do. Every decision, course, and interaction is designed to help learners thrive. 

  • Unlocking Potential 

    Education is about empowering learners to reach further. We provide flexible pathways, personalised guidance, and the tools that students need to achieve their ambitions. 

  • Inspiring Achievement 

    We cultivate curiosity, confidence, and ambition. Our goal is not just to teach, but to empower learners to realise their fullest potential. 

  • Innovation for Impact 

    We embrace technology, creativity, and evidence-based approaches to enhance learning experiences. By innovating continuously, we ensure students gain the most effective education possible. 

  • Integrity and Care 

    We act with honesty, transparency, and compassion. Our supportive approach ensures students and families feel understood, valued, and guided every step of the way. 

Meet the Leadership Team

  • Gavin McLean

    Managing Director/Principal

    Gavin brings global experience in online education, with a background at Macmillan, National Geographic, Edmentum, and Hudson Global Scholars.

  • Ruth Young

    Director of Schools/Head of Secondary

    Ruth is a multilingual educator and former Secondary Principal with extensive international experience in leading schools.

  • Christine Armstrong

    Director of Schools/Head of Primary

    Christine is an experienced leader in global online education. As a former Primary Principal, she is passionate about holistic child development and the freedom that online education provides.

  • Profile picture of Faria Online Schools Director of Product and Technology, Ross Young.

    Ross Young

    Director of Product & Technology

    Ross is an experienced educational leader with over 15 years’ experience in UK and international schools. Building on this foundation, he has spent the past decade leading digital resource design, curriculum development, and large‑scale systems and platform management, with a focus on innovation within the EdTech sphere.

  • Profile picture of Faria Online Schools Director of Business Development, Sarah Pearce.

    Sarah Pearce

    Director of Business Development

    With over 15 years of experience in business development and 10 years at Pamoja, Sarah leads our global Schools team with drive, insight and a commitment to partnership. She brings a strong focus on motivation, communication and client success.