Emotionally ready and academically capable, yet unable to thrive in a mainstream classroom
Reaching emotionally ready, yet struggling students at The Norwood School
We recently had the opportunity to speak with Genelle Dire, an ELSA and EBSA assistant at The Norwood School in London. Genelle supports students whose attendance has fallen below 75%, implementing tailored strategies that help re-engage them with learning.
Among these students is Taylor – a Year 11 learner who, despite being emotionally ready and academically capable, found it increasingly difficult to thrive in a mainstream classroom.
Once a highly engaged student with strong attendance, Taylor began experiencing heightened anxiety and developed an eating disorder in Year 9. This difficult period took a significant emotional toll on Taylor, leading to growing feelings of isolation and a rapid decline in attendance.
While attending school in person felt no longer possible, Taylor’s drive to learn remained strong.
What was needed was a new, flexible approach.
That path became possible through Academy21 – offering not just access to alternative education, but a renewed sense of confidence, connection, and hope for the future.
“Taylor came to us and said, ‘This is what I need,” Genelle explains. “Taylor was clear that Academy21 felt right.”
Taylor’s journey to finding the support that fits
The school undertook a thorough review of potential options and engaged with Antonya Kloetgen, Business Partnership Manager for West London, to explore how the provision could best support Taylor’s needs. It soon became evident that Academy21’s flexible, student-centred approach delivered the empathy, structure, and tailored support Taylor needed to reconnect with their education.
More than just an alternative learning environment, Academy21 offers a genuine reset.
With a shift in setting, timely access to support, and live teaching, students like Taylor are given the space to regroup, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with learning at a pace that works for them.
Through personalised routines, strong relationships with highly-qualified teachers, and an aligned curriculum, Academy21 helps close learning gaps while maintaining ties to the student’s home school community – laying the foundation for a confident, supported return to mainstream education when the time is right.
“It just made sense,” Genelle reflects. “Taylor was so clear about what they needed – and once we understood what Academy21 could offer, we knew it was the right step forward.”
A hybrid approach to flexible learning
Taylor’s journey with Academy21 began at home, supported by a flexible hybrid model that allowed them to access live, interactive lessons from subject specialist teachers.
At the start, Taylor was understandably cautious, but over time, their confidence began to grow. “It’s been a complete transformation,” Genelle reflects. “Taylor used to respond with one-word answers. Now I get emails asking how I am, requests for help, updates about progress. It’s like they’ve found their voice again.”
Using Academy21’s mentor portal, Genelle closely monitors Taylor’s attendance and engagement in real time.
This constant visibility allows for the school to identify any emerging patterns or challenges quickly, enabling early interventions that address issues before they escalate, ensuring Taylor remains supported and connected.
“They wouldn’t have done their GCSEs without Academy21. If we’d continued as we were, it just wouldn’t have happened. Academy21 was the game-changer.”
Leading the path forward with the right tools, support, and learning environment
Taylor is now preparing for GCSEs – something the school believes would not have been possible without Academy21.
With a personalised timetable, regular lessons, and tailored support, Taylor is now fully engaged and even reaching out to explore next steps in education. “They recently emailed to ask about sixth form and college options. That would’ve been unthinkable a year ago!”
Genelle has noticed a significant shift in engagement from Taylor’s family too. “There used to be very little contact. Now, Taylor’s parent is in regular communication with the school. It’s positive, proactive-it’s like the whole relationship has changed.”
Genelle is clear in her recommendation of Academy21 to other schools:
“With anxiety and mental health needs rising among students, Academy21 offers a space where learners can feel safe, understood, and supported.”
"It’s not just about education-it’s about building confidence and connection again.”
At Academy21, we are proud to be the trusted experts in online alternative provision. Our live, interactive lessons are delivered by qualified UK teachers, and our flexible commissioning options allow schools to create packages that fit the needs of their learners.
With over 93% of our students reporting improved confidence, our priority is clear: to help every young person thrive. Taylor’s story is just one example of what’s possible when young people are given the right tools, the right support, and the right learning environment.
First online alternative provision accredited by DfE
Written by
Deimante Cesonyte
Posted on
13/06/2025
Updated on
13/06/2025
Location
Greater LondonType
Schools
