Virtual School

The Virtual School is responsible for ensuring that all children looked after (CLA) fulfill their educational potential. Whilst these children attend different schools across Leeds and in other local authorities, the Virtual School monitors their attendance, attainment and achievement in the same way that a ‘bricks and mortar’ school would, and makes sure that their educational success is a top priority in care planning.

The role of Virtual School Head has been statutory for all local authorities since 2013, following a successful pilot which Leeds participated in, that demonstrated the effectiveness of the role in raising the attainment of children looked after. Forthcoming changes to legislation will see the Virtual School supporting the educational attainment of all children looked after and care leavers between the ages of 0 and 25, not just those of statutory school age. This will cover both children in early years settings, and care leavers who may want to re-enter education or learning.