parent information
Guidance for parents
We know that as a parent, you want the best for your child.
At Academy21, we work alongside your child, their school, and you to provide a supportive learning environment where every student can thrive.
With high-quality education plus academic and wellbeing support, our expert educators and nurturing team of staff are here to guide your child to overcome challenges and get back on track for the future.
LEADING ONLINE ALTERNATIVE PROVISION
Who is Academy21?
We have been providing high-quality online alternative provision to thousands of young people each year. Accredited by the Department for Education, we bring students across England and Wales flexible live lessons with experienced teachers in small class sizes, all away from the pressures of the traditional classroom.
If your child has been referred to Academy21, know that we are here to help. Reconnecting with education, improving attendance, returning to mainstream school — whatever the right outcomes are for your child, our mission is to guide them there.
how it works
How does Academy21 work?
Academy21 works closely with schools and local authorities to provide inclusive, high-quality education for young people who may be struggling to attend or thrive in school for a variety of reasons. Your child may have been referred to study with us due to anxiety, difficulty focusing, medical reasons, or a variety of other needs.
While with us, students enjoy a broad curriculum, wonderful teaching, and additional support when they need it. Your child may be taking Academy21 lessons at home or at school, and our provision can be tailored to meet any changing needs or to gradually transition your child back into the mainstream classroom.
what we offer
A supportive environment where your child can build confidence and achieve
100% live lessons, plus recordings
Here at Academy21, your child will learn in real-time, interactive lessons with their teachers and classmates. These lessons are also recorded, so students never have to miss out on learning, even if they’re unwell.
Classes from Monday to Thursday
Students follow 4 x 40-minute classes per subject per week, with lessons taught from Monday to Thursday. Your child can also join an optional consolidation class on Fridays to help boost their progress.
SEN-friendly online classrooms
Tech is no barrier to learning at Academy21. Our students report that they find it easy to use our online platform and classrooms, which are specially designed to be simple, intuitive, and SEN-friendly.
Personalised learning activities
Alongside their live lessons, your child will have access to a personalised pathway of learning activities tailored to their pace and progress. This helps each student truly understand their studies and build confidence to learn.
100% live lessons, plus recordings
Here at Academy21, your child will learn in real-time, interactive lessons with their teachers and classmates. These lessons are also recorded, so students never have to miss out on learning, even if they’re unwell.
Classes from Monday to Thursday
Students follow 4 x 40-minute classes per subject per week, with lessons taught from Monday to Thursday. Your child can also join an optional consolidation class on Fridays to help boost their progress.
SEN-friendly online classrooms
Tech is no barrier to learning at Academy21. Our students report that they find it easy to use our online platform and classrooms, which are specially designed to be simple, intuitive, and SEN-friendly.
Personalised learning activities
Alongside their live lessons, your child will have access to a personalised pathway of learning activities tailored to their pace and progress. This helps each student truly understand their studies and build confidence to learn.
how we teach
How will your child learn?
Every pupil’s learning experience at Academy21 is guided by our team of fully qualified teachers. Alongside being experts in their subjects, they’re passionate about their work with our students and highly experienced in education.
Creating a supportive, engaging environment in their virtual classrooms, our teachers use a variety of strategies, tools, and activities to cater to every learner’s needs. They provide regular feedback and guidance, along with encouragement to build confidence, develop key skills, and enjoy the school experience.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
How can you support your child?
Create a focused space to learn
Set up a helpful routine
Encourage active participation
Stay involved with feedback
Create a focused space to learn
Set up a helpful routine
Encourage active participation
Stay involved with feedback
Frequently asked questions for parents
What is alternative provision?
Academy21 provides alternative provision online.
Alternative provision is a form of education designed to support children who are unable to attend mainstream school, whether currently or long-term. This may include students who have medical requirements or health needs, behavioural difficulties in the classroom, or anxiety. Catering to the needs of these pupils, alternative provision ensures every young person can access their education and receive the support they need to achieve.
How do I access Academy21 for my child?
Academy21 works directly with schools and local authorities. If you think Academy21 could help your child progress in their learning and get back on track with school, it’s best to reach out to your child’s school or the local authority in your area.
To start, we advise booking a meeting with your child’s Head of Year, the school’s SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), or the Behavioural Lead. They should be able to discuss your child’s needs and talk to you about available options. If your child is not currently enrolled in school, contact your Local Education Authority to enquire about referring your child to Academy21.
If they would like more information about Academy21, please share our prospectus with them.
Is Academy21 accredited?
Yes; Academy21 is proud to be the first online alternative provision accredited by the Department for Education under the Online Education Accreditation Scheme (OEAS). The OEAS inspection is a rigorous process that assesses 92 standards across 8 categories, from teaching quality to safeguarding.
This accreditation demonstrates Academy21’s commitment to providing the highest quality of education and support, giving schools, students, and families reassurance that our online alternative provision is the right choice.
How much does Academy21 cost?
All Academy21 costs are covered by the commissioning school or local authority. There are no direct costs for parents, and parents cannot subscribe directly to Academy21’s services. To access Academy21 for your child, reach out to their school or your local authority.
Can my child go back to mainstream school after online provision?
Absolutely; where possible, our goal is to successfully reintegrate students back into their mainstream school setting. Each year, hundreds of Academy21 students return to their in-person classrooms upon leaving us.
If returning to mainstream school is not possible or not the best option for your child, rest assured that we can offer long-term provision to support your child’s progress, as well as support to transition to different educational settings.
Can my child join at any time?
Yes; as the need for alternative provision can arise at any time, we accept students at Academy21 at any point during the academic year.
Where will my child be when studying?
Students enrolled with Academy21 can learn from anywhere as long as they have access to a computer with a reliable internet connection. For your child, this may be:
- In the comfort of your home
- In a special, supervised area at school
- In a pupil referral unit (PRU)
- In another alternative provision setting or designated learning centre
Are Academy21 teachers qualified?
Yes; all our educators at Academy21 are fully qualified UK teachers (FQTs). They bring a wealth of expertise and experience to our virtual classrooms, ensuring your child gets the highest quality education and guidance throughout their journey with us.
Are all Academy21 lessons online?
Yes; all Academy21 lessons are taught online according to your child’s tailored timetable. Classes are held live with interactive and collaborative elements throughout, and recordings are available after each lesson if students need to miss a class.
Will my child have to appear on camera?
No; your child is not obligated to appear on camera during Academy21 lessons. We understand that some students may feel anxious about being on video, so our online platform is designed to facilitate learning and full participation with a range of alternative communication features. This includes a text-based chat box where students can type to their teachers one-to-one, without classmates seeing their responses.
How many students are in each class?
Each class at Academy21 has a maximum of 15 students. This ensures students get all the attention and assistance they need from teachers, but still receive the benefits of learning together as a class.
What ages and qualifications does Academy21 teach?
Academy21 offers provision for students in:
- Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9, ages 11 to 14)
- Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11, ages 14 to 16)
Older students may also join a lower Key Stage if they have missed out on learning before joining us or would like to resit their qualifications. In these cases, we provide an age-appropriate environment where they can excel.
In collaboration with our sister school, King’s InterHigh, we also offer learning for:
- Key Stage 2 (Years 5 and 6, ages 9 to 11)
- Key Stage 5 (Years 12 and 13, ages 16+)
Our curriculum includes a wide range of GCSEs, A Levels, and essential skills courses.
Will my child get to interact with teachers and students?
Yes; our online classroom is designed to be a place where teachers are students can interact and engage in discussion. Through their microphone or our text-based chat feature, your child can communicate directly with their teachers to ask questions and get individual support. With breakout rooms, students can also work on tasks and projects together in small groups.