Education in Common

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. Education, therefore, is a process of living and not a preparation for future living.” (John Dewey)

Marina Alta College offers a new way to think about what education should look like for people aged 16 and above. We believe that traditional approaches to schooling are out of step with the changing world we live in. Instead, we offer a balanced combination of the best in technology-enhanced distance learning with a thoughtful approach to pastoral care and small-scale community in the real world. This means we can offer a huge variety of subject-focused learning (A-Levels and IB Diploma; supporting undergraduate and postgraduate study) while also providing an inclusive curriculum focused on competencies, wellbeing, civic engagement, employability, and sustainability. Lastly, we’re also unique because we straddle the school to university divide, offering vital ongoing support for young people making the transition to Higher Education. Our approach is based on decades of experience and expertise leading education in schools and universities, and on our active engagement in education research and policy.

What do we do?

We offer close attention to our small community of learners, from their very first day of study to end-of-programme examinations and future educational goals in university and beyond. Our community is limited to 20 new students per year, allowing us to facilitate close mentoring relationships between students and educators.

How do we do this?

1. We connect with families and individuals who want more from their educational experience.
2. Listening to your needs, we design bespoke educational plans and liaise with expert tutors who can offer the very best teaching in specific subject areas.
3. We work with these tutors to make sure each individual is challenged and thriving, taking the responsibility for making sure that individuals are on track and making regular progress towards their educational goals.
4. We oversee and administer all aspects of formal and informal assessment, including A-Level, IB, and other examinations where required.
5. We work with individuals to help them realise their future educational goals, including university access and admissions.
6. We support individuals through the transition to Higher Education to make sure that their academic and personal growth is carefully stewarded through this sometimes difficult period of change
7. We offer a balance of hard work and fun, including a wide range of regular face-to-face meet-ups, co-working spaces, extra-curricular activities, social time, sports, and engagement in the arts.