Meeting learners where they are – and helping them move forward
At Academy21, we know that no two students are the same - and we believe that education should reflect that.
Recently, we spoke to Gilly Hare, Deputy Head at Swakeleys School for Girls.
Swakeleys is a high-achieving girls’ school in Hillingdon, dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning. With a strong culture of care, the school is home to over a thousand students from ages 11 to 18, some of whom face personal challenges that can impact their education.
When Swakeleys needed a trusted partner to support students who required alternative provision, they turned to Academy21 and what followed was a collaborative, compassionate partnership that prioritised the needs of each learner.
“What drove us to implement Academy21 was the need for a Department for Education-accredited provider we could trust.” Gilly explained.
"We needed a solution that offered flexibility and oversight, allowing us to adopt a hybrid approach tailored to each student’s needs."
A supportive step forward
Gilly and the pastoral team at Swakeleys were looking for a solution to support students across Year 8 to Year 11, who faced mental health challenges, anxiety, or periods of school refusal. Their priority was to ensure that no student fell behind and that each one remained engaged in learning and feeling supported to move forward.
So they implemented Academy21.
She shared: “We had a student who struggled even getting through the school doors, month after month in Year 8. She missed six months of school due to her challenges. We worked together to implement a hybrid model that incorporated Academy21’s online lessons, and it made all the difference.”
Creating a hybrid approach that works
For students facing barriers to traditional education, flexibility is crucial. Academy21 works alongside schools to create learning pathways that reflect each student’s unique circumstances, helping them engage with education in a way that suits their needs.
For Swakeleys, this meant blending Academy21’s live, interactive online lessons with school–based learning. The approach allowed students to reconnect with learning at their own pace, in a safe and manageable environment.
“We introduced a hybrid approach, where students attended school in the mornings and accessed Academy21 lessons in the afternoons. This way, we could keep them engaged, provide meaningful contact, and gently support their reintegration into full-time school,” Gilly shared.
After implementing this hybrid model, the student who had struggled to attend school for months gradually re-engaged with her learning.
Not only did she remain committed to her education through Academy21, but she also rediscovered a passion for learning. Her confidence grew, and she became an active participant in class discussions!
Her achievements were celebrated with certificates from Academy21, acknowledging her resilience, commitment, and progress. It was a powerful reminder that with the right support, students can overcome challenges and thrive.
"For some, even stepping foot into school felt impossible. But thanks to Academy21, students are now preparing for their core GCSE exams."
A long-term approach to student success
For Swakeleys, alternative provision isn’t just about providing a temporary solution – it’s about creating lasting, meaningful change for students who need a different route to success. Academy21’s flexible, inclusive, and high-quality provision has become an integral part of Swakeleys’ pastoral and academic strategy.
Gilly particularly praised Academy21’s Key Stage 4 provision for Year 11 students. For those struggling with mental health challenges, the traditional school environment can often feel overwhelming. Without the right support, these students risk disengaging from their education entirely.
By offering fully online, real-time classes, Academy21 enables students to continue learning in a structured and safe environment, even when attending school full-time isn’t feasible. This provision is a lifeline for students who might otherwise miss out on crucial qualifications, providing them with the opportunity to take their exams with confidence.
Advice to other schools
Gilly’s advice to other schools considering Academy21 is simple:
“Do your research. Look closely at what’s on offer and how it aligns with the needs of your students. For us, Academy21 ticked every box, and we’ve seen the impact it has had first-hand.”
At Academy21, we are proud to be part of the journey towards student success, helping students regain their education, celebrate their progress, and look forward with optimism. Through our partnership with schools like Swakeleys, we’re building brighter futures, one learner at a time.
First online alternative provision accredited by DfE
Written by
Deimante Cesonyte
Posted on
11/07/2025
Updated on
11/07/2025
Location
Greater LondonType
Schools
