Virtual School Kent (VSK) is the local authority’s champion for improving the educational progress and attainment of some of the most vulnerable children and young people in Kent. This includes those currently or previously in care, those supported by a social worker (or who have had one in the last six years), and those living in formal kinship care arrangements.
Our mission is simple: to ensure these young people have the same educational opportunities and outcomes as their peers, recognising that access to high-quality education is key to improving life chances.
Despite the name, the Virtual School is not a physical school and does not enroll pupils. Children and young people remain on the roll of their own schools. Instead, VSK works strategically and operationally to co-ordinate support, provide advice and training, and champion best practice across schools, professionals, and partner agencies to secure the best possible outcomes.
What Do We Do?
Virtual School Kent works to ensure that children and young people in care, previously looked-after children, and those supported by a social worker have the best possible educational opportunities. We do this by:
- Influencing policy and driving improvements in services.
- Promoting individual achievement and well-being, helping every child reach their potential.
- Providing advice, support, and training to professionals, schools, colleges, and other institutions.
- Improving access to specialist services for children and young people.
- Offering professional guidance on education, training, and employment pathways.
- Creating additional opportunities for out-of-school learning and leisure activities.
- Facilitating access to early education and childcare, ensuring strong foundations for future success.
How We Are Organised
Virtual School Kent (VSK) is led by a Senior Leadership Team (SLT) comprising:
• 1 Headteacher
• 2 Deputy Headteachers
• 1 Participation & Engagement Manager
The SLT provides strategic leadership, ensuring statutory duties are met and driving continuous improvement across all areas of the Virtual School.
Our Wider Team
Below are the key roles within VSK, working collaboratively to improve outcomes for:
• Children in care (CiC)
• Previously looked-after children
• Children with a social worker or who have had one in the last 6 years
• Children living in formal kinship care arrangements
Assistant Heads – Progress and Achievement
Assistant Heads play a key role in improving educational outcomes for children in care. They drive improvements in teaching, curriculum delivery, and student progress, manage learning strategies and pastoral care, and oversee data to support achievement. They collaborate with the SLT to ensure positive outcomes, support carers and parents to address barriers to attendance, and allocate Pupil Premium Plus (PP+) funding effectively. Their work ensures children in care receive the best possible educational opportunities, contributing significantly to their life chances.
Senior Education Support Officers (SESOs)
SESOs provide vital support for children in care and previously looked-after children, while guiding Education Support Officers (ESOs). They advise on pupil progress, support carers and social workers, and help manage behaviour to promote inclusion. SESOs ensure safeguarding compliance, contribute to planning effective learning environments, and report child protection concerns, maintaining a safe and secure setting.
Education Support Officers (ESOs)
ESOs ensure children in care receive tailored educational support through managing Personal Education Plans (PEPs). They work closely with schools, social workers, and carers to secure positive outcomes and provide training to education practitioners and agencies, improving educational experiences for children in care.
KS4 Progression Advisors
KS4 Progression Advisors support Year 11 students in transitioning to post-16 education or training. They collaborate with schools and providers to ensure pathways meet individual needs, champion the voice and wellbeing of the child, and advocate for their rights, ensuring a smooth and successful progression.
Fostering Education Liaison Officers (FELOs)
FELOs play a vital role in supporting educational success for children in care. They empower carers and parents, focus on preventative and early intervention strategies, and connect families with specialist services. Their work promotes engagement, encourages participation in learning, and ensures children thrive academically.
Education Welfare Officers (EWOs)
EWOs promote regular school attendance and improve educational outcomes for children in care. They monitor attendance, address barriers, and advocate for children’s rights. EWOs collaborate with schools, parents, and agencies, and engage in ongoing training to ensure consistent access to education and wellbeing support.
Post-16 Team
The Post-16 Team supports young people aged 16–19 in achieving education, training, and employment goals. They provide careers advice, EET support, wellbeing resources, CV writing, and access to online learning. The team also offers higher education guidance, vocational training, apprenticeships, and work experience, ensuring young people are prepared for independent living and future success.
Virtual School Kent Advisory Team (VSKAT)
VSKAT is dedicated to improving educational outcomes for previously looked-after children, children with a social worker (or who have had one in the last six years), and those living in formal kinship care arrangements. They provide advice, support, and training to schools and professionals, champion attendance and attainment, and promote pupil voice and wellbeing. VSKAT also enhances access to specialist services and delivers training to foster collaboration and achieve the best possible outcomes.
Participation & Engagement (P&E) Team
The P&E Team ensures young people in care and care leavers have opportunities to share their views and influence services. They run council groups, focus groups, and buddying support, and deliver training to professionals to amplify young people’s perspectives. Apprentice Participation Workers with lived experience help drive positive change for others.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Co-ordinator
This role supports children in care by securing appropriate compensation for criminal injuries. Responsibilities include gathering evidence, preparing appeals, raising awareness among social workers, and maintaining knowledge of legislation. The coordinator also produces annual reports for strategic planning and works collaboratively within VSK to achieve the best outcomes.
Business Support Team
The Business Support Team provides essential administrative and organisational support, managing staff, assisting the SLT, and coordinating events. They maintain effective communication, utilise Microsoft Office and bespoke databases, and liaise confidently with professionals. Based in Whitstable and Kings Hill, they act as a key contact point for the service, ensuring smooth operations and contributing to VSK’s success.