We are a company built on expert staff

As our Headteacher, Alessandro is committed to ensuring that all Academy21 learners have a brilliant student experience. He began his career as an English teacher and worked his way up to Head of Department, and later to senior leadership positions. In his previous roles, Alessandro oversaw curriculum, teaching and learning, and inclusion and barriers to learning. He’s also been a Deputy Headship in charge of pastoral standards and behaviour. Throughout the years, Alessandro has amassed invaluable experience in ensuring that all learners have access to high-quality learning experiences and enjoy their schooling.  

At Academy21, he’s particularly proud of working with diligent and invested colleagues who are passionate about providing enriching learning opportunities for all students. He also enjoys seeing students’ positive outcomes, not just in terms of academic achievement, but also improvements on engagement, attendance, and general wellbeing. He believes that online alternative provision can be a fantastic solution to reconnect students with their learning and assure that young people start to thrive again.  

Amy Husband is the Head of School Academic at Academy21. Amy’s passion for psychology sparked an interest in child development from an early age. After enjoying her classroom teaching career, she has worked across several leadership teams in both Primary and Secondary settings, with MAT-wide responsibility for Safeguarding, Inclusion and School Improvement. As our Head of School Academic, Amy brings a wealth of experience from her time as a Head Teacher in two schools since 2016. Amy was awarded ‘Evidence Lead in Education (ELE) status in 2020, meaning she consults on and delivers content on behalf of the Department for Education and the Education Endowment Foundation.

Her passion for academic excellence, combined with her depth of expertise in alternative provision and SEND means that she is committed to ensuring all our pupils at Academy 21 thrive in an online environment that is designed to meet their wide range of additional needs, whilst providing them with an ambitious and rigorous curriculum. Amy leads our fantastic teaching team, working alongside middle leaders and all curriculum departments to ensure we embrace the most innovative technology to deliver high quality curricula. At Academy 21, Amy is proud to work with dedicated and talented teachers and leads their Professional Learning pathway to ensure our provision offers industry-leading pedagogy and inclusion, giving our pupils a solid foundation to build their confidence, self-belief and academic success.

Clare is the Head of Academy21 and has been with us for 10 years. After completing her degree in French and German, Clare started teaching English to international students, and has been a university lecturer for most of her career. She later undertook a master’s degree in AI and moved to teaching ICT in secondary schools in South Yorkshire, where she found a passion for online teaching.  

At Academy21, Clare is responsible for the day-to-day running of our school, overseeing timetables and courses for each year, and liaising with our customer partnership managers to ensure that our clients are happy with our services. For Clare, the best thing about Academy21 is that we offer a highly flexible approach for vulnerable learners. Her biggest motivation at Academy21 is growing and maintaining a team of innovative, expert practitioners, for whom helping reengage vulnerable students is the main driving force. 

Laura is our Head of English. She has over 13 years of experience in teaching roles, 11 of which in online education. Prior to teaching online, she has also led the E-learning and ICT in English department at a secondary school. She loves the exciting innovation and creativity of working online, and particularly enjoys seeing her students realise that they can “do it” and make progress – educationally, socially, and emotionally. Outside of the virtual classroom, Laura enjoys yoga, reading, and crafting.  

Claire Semple is the Deputy Headteacher at Academy21. Her career as a science teacher has spanned international schools in Europe and the Middle East as well as leadership roles in mainstream and online schools in the UK.  Claire ventured into online education five years ago, bringing with her an enthusiasm for using educational technology to its full potential in the classroom. Her expertise encompasses both fully online and blended e-learning environments. Claire’s primary goal at Academy21 is to inspire engagement amongst students who may be reluctant, anxious, or in need of additional support, by demonstrating the real-world relevance of their learning to their lives. Since joining Academy 21 Claire has taught in and led the science team, championing innovation in online teaching pedagogy. She has a passion for inspiring and re-igniting curiosity in disengaged students. As Deputy Headteacher, her key focus is supporting the Academy21 teaching team’s pedagogy, tools and strategies to break down barriers and equip every student with the skills and confidence to succeed.

Mel is our Head of Humanities and IT. Embarking on her teaching journey more than twenty years ago through a Graduate Teaching Programme, she swiftly ascended to the role of leading IT for Key Stage 3 as a newly qualified teacher. Her career further flourished as she undertook the position of Assistant Head of Year 8 in a truly comprehensive mainstream school, prior to transitioning into online education. Boasting 17 years of expertise in this innovative educational space, Mel is an enthusiastic advocate of Academy21’s vision to ensure education is universally accessible, catering to learners at every stage. She is dedicated to fostering an inclusive atmosphere where students can rediscover their passion for learning. 

Esther Temenu is one of our English teachers, with over 15 years of teaching experience. Teaching English and media studies to students from Key Stage 3 through to A Level, Esther has worked in a wide variety of educational settings with students across a range of complex needs, including as an outreach teacher for a local authority hospital school. She is committed to creating a classroom environment where each pupil feels comfortable, enjoys their learning, and has the confidence to participate. When she’s not teaching, Esther can be found traveling, cooking, or spending time with family. 

As our Deputy Head of English, Jenny is responsible for ensuring all Academy21 students have access to a comprehensive and adaptive English education. Jenny‘s career spans over 25 years in teaching and in middle and senior leadership roles. Aside from her extensive experience in UK secondary schools, Jenny has also taken leadership roles in independent international schools in the Gulf, Middle East, and across Europe. At Academy21, she is determined to contribute to a low-stress and nurturing educational environment where all students have their learning needs met.  

Rhys teaches Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 mathematics at Academy21, bringing a wealth of experience from a range of educational settings. Prior to joining Academy21, he spent four years as a maths teacher and post holder at a state school in Wiltshire, followed by two years teaching in Wales.

With a strong focus on supporting pupil progress, Rhys has worked extensively with premium pupils, developing and implementing strategies to help close the attainment gap. He later relocated to Lanzarote, Spain, where they took on the role of Assistant Head Teacher. During this time, he successfully led the launch of the school’s new Sixth Form provision. Outside of teaching, Rhys is a keen endurance athlete, regularly taking part in triathlons and running events.

Nick Parry is one of our highly experienced science teachers at Academy21. Teaching and leading departments in mainstream schools since 1982, he also has 20 years of experience working in online education. Nick has taught with Academy21 since our inception over a decade ago, serving as Head Teacher before returning to his first passion of working with students in the classroom. Seeing students who may be vulnerable engaging and flourishing in their education is what motivates him, and he strives to make science a clear, accessible, and relevant subject for each young person. Outside of the virtual classroom, Nick enjoys cycling and spending time in his Welsh woodlands. 

Laxmi teaches Science to our Key Stage 3 and 4 students. Before joining Academy21, Laxmi was a science teacher and Head of KS3 for 4 years at a state school in Central London. She then moved to Valencia, Spain, to support the beginnings of a secondary school delivering the Cambridge iGCSE curriculum. There, she led the science, mathematics, religious studies, citizenship and PSHE departments. Laxmi is passionate about using innovative technology to build students’ confidence and skills and providing a fresh start for many young people. Outside of the virtual classroom, Laxmi enjoys reading, hiking and playing football.

Before joining Academy21, Luigi took on various teaching roles, including English KS3 and KS5 Coordinator, English 2ic, Deputy Head of Year 8, as well as Stretch and Challenge across a whole school. These positions allowed Luigi to combine his natural enthusiasm for teaching with his thorough subject knowledge of the English Language and Literature. As an energetic but focused practitioner, Luigi strongly believes in planning and helping his students develop a strong work ethic. Making use of a refined range of pedagogical strategies, he can create student–specific tasks and resources to aid learning.  

Sue Robinson, PhD, is one of our dedicated expert science teachers. Teaching online for almost two decades, Sue also holds a diploma in accessible online learning and greatly enjoys her work in virtual education. For Sue, one of the highlights of Academy21 is the wonderful team of teachers she works with. Together, they are dedicated to making our alternative provision a “safe haven” where students can fall in love with learning again and go on to the great future opportunities waiting for them. A wonderful listener, Sue is always there to support students through their challenges and help them become confident learners. 

Cara Salway is another of our fabulous English teachers. Since beginning her teaching career in 2006, she has amassed extensive experience in both mainstream and AP settings, including three years spent dedicated to SEND teaching. An early adopter of online teaching before the pandemic, Cara is passionate about bringing education to students who have limited access to traditional schooling. She thrives on seeing students shine in Academy21’s tailored environment and works hard to ensure each young person has a positive and enriching learning experience. Outside of teaching, Cara is a qualified yoga instructor who enjoys relaxing with yoga in her free time.

Alicia is our Account Manager for Southeast England and has been at Academy21 for almost two years. As a former homeschooled student, Alicia understands the unique challenges and opportunities of alternative education, and she is committed to ensuring every student feels supported and empowered. With her own daughter also homeschooled, she remains deeply connected to alternative education both professionally and personally. She is driven by a passion for helping students who are unable to attend traditional schools. Outside of work, Alicia enjoys adrenaline sports like jet skiing and biking, along with walking her dogs and attending music and theatre events.

Anisah Mir brings diverse experience to her role as an Academy21 Account Manager. Most recently, she worked as a School Relationship Officer in collaboration with the DfE, playing a pivotal part in the National Tutoring Programme. Anisah is deeply passionate about supporting students’ academic success and overall wellbeing, and that underpins the strong and supportive relationships she builds with the schools she assists. Outside of her work, Anisah has a background in baking and has recently discovered a new love for hiking with family on the weekends. 

Antonya is the Partnership Manager for Academy21 in West London, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing partnerships and identifying new opportunities for collaboration. With a robust background in EdTech, including a seven-year tenure at Tes, and previous experience in national media with The Times, The Guardian, and the BBC, Antonya excels in developing long-term partnerships that cater to the evolving needs of schools. Her passion lies in empowering students to re-engage with education through tailored support and enriching learning experiences. Residing in West London, Antonya enjoys hiking and is currently training for a trek in Peru in support of Parkinson’s UK. 

Dawn is one of our Partnerships Managers, supporting schools and local authorities in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, and surrounding areas. With a strong background in business development and consultative sales, including her recent role with an educational publisher, Dawn is dedicated to helping vulnerable and neurodiverse students reengage, grow, and succeed. She is passionate about lifelong learning and brings a thoughtful, empathetic approach to her work. Outside of work, Dawn enjoys learning new languages, reading about human behaviour and psychology, and taking long walks with her Welsh Collie in the Oxfordshire countryside. 

Geraldine is the Partnership Manager for the North East, South Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire at Academy21. With over 20 years of experience in the education sector, she has successfully worked with schools, colleges, and universities both in the UK and internationally. Geraldine has held key roles, including UK Sales Director at Blackboard and Head of Sales and Marketing at the Yorkshire and Humberside Grid for Learning. She also founded her own company, SalesBox, and was the Global Business Development Manager for Scanning Pens, a leader in Assistive Technology. Living on the outskirts of Leeds and Bradford, Geraldine enjoys travelling, walking, and cooking. 

Partnership Manager Hannah brings over a decade of experience in special educational needs education to Academy21. From winning an award as a SEND manager to working as a transition and assessment specialist, she has a wealth of expertise in supporting young people through their learning journeys and desired next steps. Hannah has a passion for helping others, previously working for a charity helping young people with respite care. She is also trained in mental health first aid, autism support, and various other SEN specialisms. Outside of work, Hannah loves spending time with her three cats, being creative, and watching space documentaries. 

As Executive Head of Business Development Jesse is responsible for the team of experts that are schools’, Local Authorities’ and Multi Academy Trusts’ first point of contact with Academy21. Jesse has worked in the field of education technology for most of his career. He started as a specialist in Primary and Secondary education, working with schools to introduce curriculum software solutions that helped student progress and attainment. It was during this period that he developed a lasting passion for the positive impact technology can have on education.

Jesse has worked closely with all types of schools, and in senior leadership roles has led the development of services for LAs and MATs across the country. In a brief departure from the school’s sector, he spent time leading the business development team at a provider of an online apprenticeship platform, and latterly headed the commercial department at a technology consultancy specialising in data privacy and safeguarding in both UK and international schools. Jesse is very excited about the potential Academy21’s market leading teaching and technology offers, and bringing our expertise to a wider group of students, authorities and schools.

Jonathan is a Senior Partnership Manager for Academy21 in the South West, where he has been fostering partnerships for over two years. With a decade of experience at one of the world’s largest education companies and a UK awarding body, Jonathan has worked with schools, ministries of education, and universities across Africa. He holds postgraduate qualifications in Marketing and is committed to helping young people re-engage in learning. Outside of his professional life, Jonathan is deeply involved in his community, coaching cricket, serving as a trustee for a local mental health charity, and squeezing in marathons whenever possible. 

With a decade of teaching experience before joining Academy21, Kirsty brings a deep understanding of schools’ needs to her work as an Account Manager. Having focused on teaching, learning, and professional development in her previous roles, Kirsty has a personal appreciation for the proven pedagogy and innovative education methods in use at Academy21. Since joining Academy21, she has been delighted to watch students with EBSA, SEMH, medical, behavioural, and SEND needs make fantastic progress, thrive online, and reintegrate into the mainstream classroom. In her spare time, she’s a keen baker, and loves training her border collies — as well as baking for them!  

Luke is a Regional Partnership Manager at Academy21, formerly working across the international education sector. In his previous roles, he collaborated with schools, educational groups, consultants, and governments (including a Ministry of Education) to support growth and planning efforts with data-driven insight and strategic consultations. At Academy21, he leverages that experience to build strong, collaborative relationships across the South West, tailoring solutions based on regional challenges to secure the best outcomes. Alongside a degree and keen interest in history, Luke is passionate about theatre, travel, and spending time with his family. 

Paula is the Head of Business Development for the South at Academy21, where she leads a team of Partnership Managers and Account Managers. Since joining in 2016, Paula has been committed to ensuring that students across her territory in the South East receive top-quality support from Academy21. With a background in education since 2007 and specific experience in Alternative Provision since 2011, Paula understands the importance of tailored support for diverse student needs. Her earlier career in the travel industry fuelled her love for exploration, and she now enjoys weekend biking adventures with her partner across Southeast England and beyond. 

Ryan is the Regional Partnership Manager for the East Midlands and joined the team in October 2024. His career has allowed him to gain extensive experience across a variety of sectors and roles. He graduated from Loughborough University with a BSc (Hons) in Sport & Leisure Management and has spent over 20 years working with young people and communities. His roles have included sports development, coaching, school sports consultancy, and community SEND project management. More recently, he spent 8 years at YMCA, where he became Head of Health & Wellbeing and led the development and growth of various mental health and physical health projects, as well as alternative provision programmes for schools and workplaces.

Susan is the Head of Business Development for London and the East of England at Academy21. Since joining in 2016, she has led the business partnership teams across these regions, bringing extensive experience in education and supporting vulnerable learners. Before joining Academy21, Susan held a Middle Leadership role in a school, where she worked with students with social, emotional, and behavioural needs. She also earned a Level 4 Diploma in Special Educational Needs. Outside of work, Susan mentors disadvantaged young people through MCR Pathways and volunteers with Cats Protection. She also enjoys attending live music events.

Xanthe is an Account Manager at Academy21. Her journey in education began as a nursery assistant in London, sparking a deep passion for the sector. After spending a year as an EAL tutor in Tenerife, she transitioned into tutoring consultancy for an international education consultant. In Bristol, she focused on partnership management, nurturing relationships with TSHs and MATs nationwide. Xanthe holds a Level 3 Award in Education and Training, a Diploma in Music Theatre, and speaks conversational Spanish. A devoted dog lover, Xanthe rescued her dog Bernie from Greece in 2021, adding a well-travelled companion to her life. 

Emma is the Head of Marketing at Academy21 and holds a BA, CIM, and a PG Cert in Marketing and Digital Marketing Leadership. A Chartered Marketer, she has worked in education marketing for over 11 years. Her experience spans higher and further education, as well as primary, secondary, and international schools. Passionate about the potential of online learning, Emma is committed to providing access to high-quality education for students facing barriers. She also holds a PG Cert in TESOL from the University of California and has taught English to children and adults in South Korea, Dubai, and Spain. In her free time, Emma enjoys reading, motorsport, and gardening, and looks after her two house rabbits.

Mariana is the Content Manager at Academy21, where she leads the content strategy and oversees content production across various channels. Her role involves delivering insightful and valuable content to engage and support the Academy21 audience. With a BA Hons in Journalism and extensive experience in writing and editing across industries, from tech to education, Mariana is passionate about building relationships and fostering a sense of community through her work. Outside of work, Mariana enjoys staying active with regular 10km runs and loves to try out different vegan recipes.  

Deimante is a marketing professional in B2B Sales at Academy21. She began her career in online education in 2020 through a business management apprenticeship and the APM Project Management qualification.

At Academy21, Deimante helps connect schools and local authorities with the right information to support students through our flexible, live-taught provision. She’s driven by a belief in inclusive education and the power of opportunity.

Outside of work, Deimante enjoys vegan cooking and is a devoted animal lover with a soft spot for cats!