Yuliya Kosko: Pioneering Educator Revolutionises Online Learning, Empowering Students Worldwide

Yuliya Kosko, a Mumble member and prominent figure in the field of education, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for innovation to the ever-evolving landscape of learning. With an impressive 17-year career that began as a teacher and later transitioned into entrepreneurship, Yuliya has made significant contributions to the education sector. In 2016, she founded EducAd Consulting, a company that provides personalised advice and support to high-net-worth individuals worldwide seeking assistance with British school and university admissions.

However, Yuliya's dedication to education extends beyond her successful consultancy. In the wake of the 2022 invasion of her homeland, Ukraine, she established charitable organisation Svitlo Education, an online extra-curricular school designed to support students affected by the war. This initiative not only showcased Yuliya’s commitment to making education accessible to all but also sparked her interest in the vast potential of online learning.

Inspired by the impact of Svitlo Education, Yuliya went on and co-founded Highgrove Online School, collaborating with a team of online education experts who had previously achieved outstanding academic results in online A-levels at Harrow School Online. Through Highgrove Online School, Yuliya aims to provide tailored educational programs to students in the UK and around the globe, capitalising on the growing demand for home schooling and flexible and personalised learning options.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into Yuliya’s journey, her insights on the future of education, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the realm of online learning.

Q.): What inspired you to transition from teaching to founding EducAd Consulting, and how has your experience as a teacher influenced your approach to educational consulting?

A.): As a foreign teacher in London, I developed a love for helping children adapt to the British education system while celebrating their diversity. My own child's success in navigating the system led to people seeking my advice, which organically grew into EducAd Consulting. My teaching experience has been invaluable in understanding the curriculum and guiding families.

Q.): Can you share some of the unique challenges faced by high-net-worth individuals when it comes to British school and university admissions, and how does EducAd Consulting address these challenges?

A.): Challenges include misconceptions about the education system and balancing parents' desires with what's best for the child. We work closely with families, building trust and respect, to find the right educational path for each student.

Q.): The establishment of Svitlo Education was a direct response to the impact of the war on Ukrainian students. Can you tell us more about the journey of creating this online extra-curricular school and the obstacles you encountered along the way?

A.): Svitlo grew rapidly out of a desire to provide educational opportunities and a safe social structure for Ukrainian children affected by the war. The main obstacles have been emotional, dealing with losses in students' families, and funding, as we rely mainly on private donors.

Q.): How has Svitlo Education evolved since its inception, and what have been some of the most rewarding aspects of this initiative?

A.): Svitlo has grown at an incredible pace, with 2,500 pupils and over 65 volunteers. The reaction of our pupils, who consider Svitlo a second family and credit it with keeping them on a positive path, has been the most rewarding aspect.

Q.): Your experience with Svitlo Education sparked your interest in the potential of online learning. What do you believe are the key advantages of online education, and how do you see it shaping the future of learning?

A.): Online education offers flexibility, individualisation, and a comfortable learning environment. The academic results at Harrow School Online demonstrate the potential for online learning to shape the future of education. Traditional schools could benefit from adopting elements of online learning, such as flipped learning and repurposing teacher time for more one-on-one support.

Q.): Highgrove Online School is your latest venture. What sets Highgrove apart from other online schools, and how do you ensure the quality of education remains high in a virtual setting?

A.): Highgrove Online School stands out for its combination of academic excellence and strong community focus. Our flipped learning approach and small group sizes enable personalised support, leading to outstanding academic results.

Q.): Personalised learning is a core focus of Highgrove Online School. How do you tailor educational programs to meet the unique needs and goals of individual students?

A.): Flipped learning allows students to learn at their own pace, with live lessons targeting areas flagged in self-study materials. Small group sizes and one-on-one support further personalize the learning experience.

Q.): The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online learning worldwide. What lessons can traditional educational institutions learn from the success of online schools like Highgrove?

A.): Traditional schools can learn by introducing flipped learning and offering more flexible provision to accommodate different learning paces and styles. As society moves towards more flexible ways of working, schools should adapt accordingly.

Q.): As an entrepreneur in the education sector, what do you identify as the most significant challenges facing education today, and how do you believe they can be addressed?

A.): The teacher recruitment and retention crisis, along with student attendance issues, are significant challenges. The traditional structure of education is not working for many teachers and students. We need to rethink how we structure education to better prepare young people for life and work in the 21st century.

Q.): Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and how do you see your educational ventures contributing to the broader landscape of education?

A.): Highgrove Education aims to be part of the solution by working directly with students and schools to provide flexible and individualised educational options. Svitlo School will contribute to the development of future leaders with strong values, English skills, and work ethics. We hope to reach students in Ukraine and other conflict zones who want to join us.