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, Tutor-led model.

 

Wolsey Hall for Schools then emerged to bring this proven expertise into formal school settings. Approved by Cambridge International Education and Pearson Edexcel, it offers hybrid learning solutions – from Primary, Lower Secondary and IGCSE to International A Levels – allowing students at their physical schools to benefit from Wolsey Hall’s structured online instruction alongside classroom teaching.

 

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

    Senior Leadership

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

  • Ruth Young

    Senior Leadership

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

  • Christine Armstrong

    Senior Leadership

    Christine is an experienced Primary educator and former Headteacher, passionate about holistic child development and advancing online learning.

  • Cathy Hitchin

    Senior Leadership

    Cathy brings 20+ years of IB experience, having served as teacher, Diploma Programme Coordinator, Secondary Principal, and Head of School across five continents.