Evolution Sports and Academy21: ‘Offering Young People a Sporting Chance’
Evolution Sports is an alternative education provision designed to equip GCSE-age students with the skills, confidence, and support to thrive
Operating on a full-time school schedule, the centre provides a flexible yet structured environment built on mentorship, support, and personal development.
Founded by Eugene Dwaah and Sayo Ojo, both experienced educators, Evolution Sports was created from their shared experience of working with students who struggled to engage in mainstream secondary school environments. Recognising that existing pupil referral units and alternative provisions often fell short of meeting these students’ needs, they set out to create a space where education could be tailored to individual abilities, with sport playing a central role.
The mission was set to provide targeted teaching and support to students in more vulnerable circumstances.
However, Sayo and Eugene needed the right platform to bring their vision to life.
Partnering with Academy21
In December 2024, Evolution Sports found the solution they were looking for in Academy21, enrolling over ten students in the programme. These students began their journey with Academy21’s live, adaptive lessons in English and maths, delivered by expert teachers. The online lessons, held each morning, left afternoons open for other in-person activities at the centre.
One of the key features of this partnership is the small group setting, where students take their online classes together, supervised by Evolution Sports teachers and mentors. This approach fosters a sense of community and ensures no one feels isolated. It also encourages students to support and motivate one another.
For many students, including Shantay, Academy21’s personalised learning experience has been transformative. Shantay, who was struggling in mainstream school, immediately found it easier to engage with the tailored approach of Academy21. The flexibility and one-on-one support enabled her to focus and improve her learning.
“I just want to pass my GCSEs,” Shantay shares. “After that, I want to go to college and pursue childcare. Hopefully, I’ll get into a childcare course.”
Higher student engagement
Academy21’s ability to tailor lessons to each student’s learning level has made a significant impact on engagement and academic outcomes.
“What we’ve found with Academy21 is that the lessons are tailored to the individual needs of the students,” says Sayo Ojo. “Students are much more engaged and are taking more responsibility for their learning.”
One student shared her experience: “Academy21 made me a better learner and student. I find it much easier to engage online than in a classroom with many students. I wouldn’t listen in a mainstream classroom, but with Academy21, I can just put on my headphones and focus. I’m writing more than I ever did. I love it.”
She added: “Now that I’ve done Academy21, I can go home and tell my mum, ‘I learned this today.’ It’s made me become a better learner and a better student. It makes me feel really good about myself.”
The founders and staff at Evolution Sports are proud to see their vision come to life, creating an environment where students can rebuild their confidence, take ownership of their learning, and feel supported at every step.
Positive impact on mental health
The partnership with Academy21 has brought benefits that go beyond academics. The personalised, flexible learning environment has had a profound effect on students’ mental health, particularly for those like Shantay who struggled with anxiety and disengagement in mainstream school.
“My mental health was going downhill in a mainstream school,” Shantay shared. “But since joining Academy21, I’ve been engaging much more. It’s so much easier, and I feel like my mental health is improving. I’m feeling happier and more confident than I ever was before.”
Thanks to Academy21’s supportive approach, students like Shantay are not only thriving academically but are also rebuilding their confidence and mental wellbeing.
“Now, I feel like I can achieve more than I ever thought possible. I didn’t think I could get a 4 or 5 in my GCSEs, but now I believe I can.”
Continuing to make a difference
Shantay, who recently celebrated her 16th birthday with her teachers and peers at Academy21, is now looking forward to her future. “I just want to pass my GCSEs because after that, I want to go to college and do childcare,” she shares. “Hopefully, I’ll get into a childcare course.”
Sayo Ojo offers advice to other schools considering Academy21: “I would tell any school interested in exploring Academy21 to do it. You will have more engaged students, definitely.”
The partnership between Evolution Sports and Academy21 continues to unlock potential in students who were once disengaged or overlooked in mainstream settings.
Through personalised learning, strong mentorship, and a supportive community, these young people are not only gaining qualifications but also discovering confidence, purpose, and a renewed sense of possibility.
For students like Shantay, this is more than just an education – it’s a second chance and the beginning of a brighter future.
First online alternative provision accredited by DfE
Written by
Deimante Cesonyte
Posted on
14/03/2025
Updated on
12/06/2025
Location
Greater LondonType
Specialist Providers
