Building confidence through Change

Starting secondary school is a big step. For some children, the move from Year 6 to Year 7 can feel overwhelming and can affect confidence, wellbeing and readiness to learn. 

Academy21 works alongside primary schools to provide short-term, targeted support that fits around existing transition planning. Delivered online in flexible blocks, our Online Alternative Provision helps pupils develop emotional readiness and academic confidence without disrupting core learning.

We can support primary pupils to: 

• Build emotional wellbeing, resilience and confidence
• Develop communication and social skills ahead of Y7
• Manage anxiety linked to change and uncertainty
• Acquire strong functional reading, writing and maths skills

All lessons are live, interactive and delivered by teachers experienced in supporting pupils through transition phases.

Learn more about our KS2 provision here.

Transition points in secondary education can have a lasting impact on a young person’s confidence, engagement and future outcomes. For many pupils, the move from Year 6 to Year 7 is particularly challenging, while further changes between academic years and an increasing focus on preparation for life beyond school can also affect confidence, engagement and attendance.

Our provision offers flexible, targeted support for pupils who struggle to settle in Years 7, 8 and 9, experience disengagement at key transition points or need additional help as they prepare for their next steps beyond school.

Academy21 works alongside secondary schools to provide short-term, tailored support that complements existing pastoral and academic provision to help pupils build confidence, resilience and academic stability without disrupting their wider school experience.

We can support secondary pupils to: 

• Settle into secondary school and build confidence in Year 7
• Manage anxiety linked to change and increasing independence
• Improve engagement, wellbeing and attendance
• Prepare for next steps beyond school, including independence and readiness for change

Learn more about our secondary curriculum and wellbeing support options here. 

Academy21 was the first online alternative provision to achieve DfE accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to quality, safeguarding, and educational impact. Following a full Ofsted inspection, our provision was recognised for its high standards and positive outcomes for learners.

We take a holistic, trauma-informed approach to teaching and learning, helping students thrive academically while supporting their mental and physical wellbeing. All our teachers are fully qualified subject specialists, experienced in working with students with diverse needs, circumstances, and lived experiences.
Read our full Ofsted Inspection report

Our regional support teams work directly with schools and local authorities to ensure swift, seamless enrolment. Students can be onboarded and attending live lessons in as little as 48 hours, with all setup requirements handled by our team. From day one, we maintain clear and consistent communication, offering responsive assistance for any queries. Through our Mentor Portal, partners can track attendance, engagement and progress daily, ensuring full visibility at every stage of the placement.

When a student is enrolled, attendance and engagement expectations are agreed from the outset and monitored from day one. Teachers record Effort, Understanding, and Interaction (EUI) scores for every lesson, alongside attendance — all visible in real time via the Mentor Portal. Weekly attendance summaries and termly academic reports provide clear insight into progress, enabling mentors and schools to review performance and adjust targets where needed. This consistent monitoring supports improved engagement, academic outcomes, and successful reintegration.