Transforming support for at-risk students: Raynes Park High School’s experience

Raynes Park designed a hybrid approach combining part-time physical alternative provision with Academy21’s live online lessons. Students spend two or three days in a local alternative provision setting and then access core subjects at home or in school via Academy21.

This approach allowed the school to support students who struggled with traditional classroom structures, without risking disengagement or permanent exclusion. Sessions are delivered by qualified teachers in small, interactive groups, ensuring students receive high-quality learning and dedicated support.

Even with a small cohort, Raynes Park has seen significant positive outcomes. One Year 11 student, previously disengaged and isolating at home, engaged fully with Academy21 lessons and even requested to delay his exams to gain another year of study. Another student, awaiting an EHCP, has been able to study from home while avoiding serious behavioural incidents that previously put him at risk of police intervention.

Josh also highlights how Academy21’s Mentor Portal has simplified monitoring. Staff can track attendance, engagement, and progress in real time, enabling rapid interventions where needed. This transparency has improved oversight and supported both safeguarding and academic progress.

Following the success of the current programme, Raynes Park plans to increase student participation in term two and explore broader subject provision in the future. The school also sees opportunities to provide targeted online sessions during holidays or weekends to raise awareness and parental buy-in, helping more students access flexible learning options.

Raynes Park High School’s experience demonstrates that online provision, when integrated strategically, can complement physical alternatives to create a flexible, student-centred learning environment. He notes that, aside from the high-quality curriculum and interaction, communication has proven key in the success of the four pupils studying with us.

“I think your level of accessibility, and the fact that you’ll come to the school to have a discussion, is a huge strength for me. There’s always someone from your team willing to have a conversation, and that’s really important because I don’t want to be in a position where I can’t talk to someone about it.”

By combining Academy21 with tailored support, the school has increased engagement, safeguarded vulnerable learners, and ensured students continue their education towards GCSE success. While Josh acknowledges that the education sector still has some way to go in recognising the potential of online learning, he highlights the significant benefits it can bring when embraced.

“People in education are not always tech-savvy. Their skills lie more in working with people, so they can be apprehensive about tech. One of the things we need to do is convince education of the power of tech in actually providing access to education for certain students. Professionals should grow confident in embracing a new direction.”