Explore the Enhanced Support Services at Academy21
As the UK’s leading online alternative provision provider, we welcome thousands of students across England and Wales every year, and many of these students have special educational needs. Every day, our goal is to equip them with the tools they need to thrive academically and emotionally despite these barriers. That’s why, aside from our DfE-accredited, high-quality provision, we offer a range of Enhanced Support Services courses to support both academic growth and wellbeing.
In this blog, we will take you through some of our popular courses and the specialised SEN team behind their delivery:
Academic support
Our academic support courses are offered at both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. They focus on developing essential skills that students can apply in their mainstream classes or use to strengthen their learning in other settings. All sessions are delivered by qualified, experienced teachers and practitioners who specialise in supporting students with additional needs, allowing us to provide personalised guidance tailored to each learner. Courses are available in blocks of 10 academic weeks, with one 40-minute session each week, scheduled flexibly during the school day.
1. Literacy support
Our Literacy support classes are delivered by expert teachers trained in dyslexia-friendly approaches and formatting. Lessons focus on developing strategies for spelling and vocabulary building, using a range of punctuation with confidence, applying practical grammar across different subject areas, and strengthening reading comprehension skills such as skimming, scanning, and making inferences.
2. EAL support
Our English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes follow the internationally recognised Cambridge English Language Assessment curriculum. Led by specialist EAL teachers, these sessions focus on key areas of grammar, vocabulary, and fluency across reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This approach helps students strengthen their learning skills while building confidence in their English abilities. We offer courses at three levels of competency: Beginning (Cambridge A1), Developing (Cambridge A2–B1), and Securing (Cambridge B2).
Meet one of our EAL teachers, Andrew Robertson:
As an EAL teacher and course writer, it’s Andrew’s job to plan engaging lessons that help our students communicate confidently and improve their spoken English. He also brings that energy to our study skills, education coaching, and social skills sessions to help students build practical strategies for success. His approach to teaching involves plenty of creativity, from grammar practice games to funny debates.
When he’s not teaching, Andrew keeps himself busy playing harmonica, DJing, mountain biking down trails, and indulging his slightly unusual interest in mycology, always on the lookout for interesting mushrooms during his outdoor adventures.
What’s your role on the SEN team, and what does your day-to-day look like?
I’m an EAL course writer and teacher, so my role involves planning and creating fun, engaging lessons that encourage students to communicate confidently and improve their spoken English skills. I also contribute to the planning, creation, and delivery of study skills lessons and education coaching sessions, helping students develop strategies for time management and organisation. In addition, I support the teaching of social skills lessons, helping students build confidence in communication, teamwork, and forming positive relationships.
One of my favourite parts of the job is finding creative ways to get students talking — sometimes that means turning grammar practice into a game or debating the most controversial question of all: is pineapple on pizza acceptable? Seeing students laugh, connect, and grow more confident reminds me why I love what I do.
What inspired you to specialise in supporting students with special educational needs?
I’ve always been enthusiastic about inclusive education and the belief that everyone learns in their own way. No two students are alike — we all have our own strengths, quirks, and ways of processing the world. What inspires me most is helping students understand and celebrate their uniqueness, rather than feeling defined by it. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching a student realise that the way they learn isn’t “wrong.” It’s just theirs, and it can be a real source of strength.
What tips would you give to those supporting a young learner with SEN at home or in school?
I’d say the biggest thing is to keep the lines of communication open. We’re all on the same team, and sharing what works (and what doesn’t!) makes a huge difference. Celebrate the small wins, because those really add up over time. Try to build routines that make learning feel calm and predictable, but don’t forget to have a bit of fun along the way, too. Most importantly, remind your young person that progress doesn’t always look the same for everyone, and that’s completely okay.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about SEN support?
I wish more people understood that SEN support is not about labelling students, but about empowering them through understanding, patience, and personalised strategies.
What’s unique about working in SEN at an online school?
What I love most about our school is that the online setting allows for a flexible, individualised approach where we can tailor support and pacing much more closely to each student’s needs.
3. Numeracy support
Our Numeracy Support course is designed to build students’ confidence in maths and help reduce ‘maths-based anxiety’. Lessons are delivered by experienced subject specialists with full QTS, all trained in inclusion-focused teaching methods. The course covers key foundational skills, including times tables, the four operations, measurement, fractions, decimals, percentages, and strategies for tackling worded problems. At Key Stage 4, the classes are suitable for learners who want to strengthen these core skills before progressing to a more exam-focused curriculum.
4. Maths support
Our Key Stage 4 Maths support course offers a more challenging level of study than numeracy support, focusing on topics essential for GCSE success. These include calculation skills, simplifying algebra, probability, and data representation. Lessons feature interactive activities and quizzes, with academic content tailored to meet the needs of each student. This course is well-suited to learners with significant dyscalculia, those who have gaps in their maths knowledge due to missed learning, or anyone who would benefit from extra support to thrive in their studies.
Meet Aimee Molloy, who oversees both the academic support courses we covered above and our wellbeing workshops and counselling sessions (more on that below!):
Aimee is a trained SENCO with experience across mainstream primary, secondary, and special schools, and she’s qualified in British Sign Language too. Aimee’s philosophy is simple: all children deserve to reach their full potential whilst enjoying their learning in a safe and caring environment. Outside work, Aimee loves to spend her time enjoying long walks with her dog, trying out new recipes (though she’s happy to leave baking to the experts!), and indulging her love of dance.
Can you tell us about your role within the SEN team? What does your day-to-day look like?
I oversee our wonderful academic support and wellbeing support courses for Academy21 students. The academic support courses we offer are: literacy support, numeracy support, study skills, English as an Additional Language and education coaching. Our wellbeing courses are: counselling, wellbeing mentoring, social skills and anxiety management courses.
What inspired you to specialise in supporting students with special educational needs?
Supporting students with special educational needs has always felt more like a calling than a career choice. Early in my teaching journey, I worked with a child whose learning differences had gone unnoticed. Once the right support was put in place, the change was remarkable – not just academically, but in their confidence and overall wellbeing. That experience highlighted how crucial early identification and tailored support can be, and it sparked a passion that has guided my work ever since. I believe every child deserves to be understood, empowered, and given the opportunity to succeed in their own unique way.
What’s unique about working in SEN at an online school?
Online education opens up new possibilities for students with additional needs. For many, learning from home reduces social pressures, sensory overload, and anxiety triggers. The virtual setting allows us to personalise support more flexibly, whether that’s through tailored timetables, one-to-one sessions, or alternative communication methods.
That said, it also means we work harder to build strong connections and spot the subtle cues we might easily notice in a physical classroom. Collaboration becomes even more important, and that strong partnership is one of the things that makes online SEN support especially meaningful.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Do you have a fun fact or hidden talent you’d like to share?
I have a little dog, who I adore, so I spend lots of time walking him. I also love being in the kitchen and trying out new recipes, however, baking is not my forte but eating anything sugary definitely is! My passion is dance, so any opportunity to watch some new choreography I adore!
Our wellbeing support
1. Anxiety management
Our anxiety management course helps students develop a deeper understanding of anxiety and how it affects the brain and body. Throughout the programme, students learn a range of practical strategies such as mindfulness techniques, grounding and breathing exercises, guided meditations, and creative, art-based activities. Importantly, they learn in a safe and supportive environment where they can build confidence, recognise unhelpful thinking patterns, and work towards developing a more positive mindset.
2. Social skills
Our Social Skills course helps students build the confidence to communicate with others, feel more at ease in social settings, and understand common social rules. Each session includes check-ins and interactive activities designed to help students become more accustomed to engaging with others, sharing their thoughts comfortably, and reflecting on challenges they may face in social situations. Key areas of focus include speaking and listening, turn-taking and teamwork, managing winning and losing, and developing empathy.
3. Wellbeing mentoring
Our wellbeing mentoring programme consists of 10 sessions delivered over five weeks. Students take part in a combination of five one-to-one sessions and five small focus groups of up to three learners. The programme begins with identifying each student’s wellbeing challenges. A skilled inclusion practitioner then works with the student to create and implement a personalised plan aimed at managing their wellbeing, establishing healthy routines, and building the confidence they need to thrive in their learning.
Meet Sarah Parry, one of our brilliant school counsellors and teachers who delivers these and other courses:
In her counselling, Sarah combines psychoeducation with practical support, helping students better understand themselves. Her interest in wellbeing extends beyond work into her personal life, where she loves exploring everything from neuroscience to nutrition to meditation. Sarah is also an art lover, animal enthusiast, and regular participant in charity events.
What’s your role on the SEN team, and what does your day-to-day look like?
I am honoured to be one of the school counsellors and teachers. I provide one-to-one counselling for students, helping them to explore their emotions in a safe, compassionate space. Moreover, I deliver specialised courses, such as wellbeing mentoring and anxiety management. Lessons encompass exploring psychoeducation, supporting students to develop key skills in wellbeing, and managing anxiety.
What inspired you to specialise in supporting students with special educational needs?
I have always seen the role of a teacher as incredibly rewarding, specifically when working with children with special educational needs. It allows me to make a significant, lasting impact on student development and wellbeing, fostering personal growth, empowerment, and empathy to help students reach their full potential.
What tips would you give to those supporting a young learner with SEN at home or in school?
- Be the young person’s advocate
- Create a positive environment
- Have consistent communication
- Establish routines
- Focus on their strengths
- Use visual aids to help their understanding
- Develop a strong support network
- Collaborate with professionals
- Practise self-care
- Encourage creative activities to promote cognitive, social, and emotional development
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about SEN support?
Each child has their own journey through education. The best thing you can do is believe in them. Often, you find that students you’re trying to inspire are the ones that end up inspiring you.
What’s unique about working in SEN at an online school?
I believe our online provision is unique, as it allows us the opportunity to combine the principles of individualised SEN support with the inherent flexibility and technological tools of a virtual environment. This includes various options around how students engage, contribute, and interact in lessons, suited to their needs.
4. One-to-one counselling
We also offer one-to-one counselling for pupils who need more intensive, individualised support. They are delivered by our qualified School Counsellors, like Sarah and Angelina, whom we will meet later in this post. Younger students will access creative and play therapies to process thoughts and feelings, whereas older students can benefit from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to deal with issues such as phobias and anxiety. We can also provide person-centred therapy, which allows young people to make sense of their thoughts, feelings and experiences at their own pace. School mentors can request an initial free consultation call to discuss any challenges and concerns with the School Counsellor.
5. Next steps: Reintegration and wellbeing programme
This is a bespoke series of live Friday classes designed specifically for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 learners. Led by specialist teachers, these sessions support students as they reintegrate into their home school or setting, or transition to a new placement. Across the programme, we explore what it means to be resilient, independent, and healthy, both mentally and physically. Overall, this programme takes a holistic approach to reintegration, supporting students to rebuild their identity, reconnect with peers and their learning environment, and move forward with confidence and purpose.
Student progress, attendance, and engagement scores are available through the mentor portal as standard.
Meet Angelina, another one of our dedicated School Counsellors who delivers our pastoral support courses:
Angelina’s days as a school counsellor are wonderfully varied. In any given week, she may run a wellbeing course, have one-to-one sessions with students, and get in touch with parents for regular check-ins. Angelina works to make sure students feel supported in their emotional wellbeing and their academic progress.
When she’s not supporting students, you can find Angelina outdoors, whether she’s hiking or wild swimming. She enjoys all kinds of crafting and trying new things, and even once learned Grade 1 saxophone from scratch to merit level during a student-led initiative.
What’s your role on the SEN team, and what does your day-to-day look like?
I’m a school counsellor, so my days are all about supporting students’ wellbeing. That might mean running an anxiety management class or having one-to-one chats. I also work with teachers to make sure students feel supported both emotionally and academically. No two days are ever the same, which keeps it interesting!
What inspired you to specialise in supporting students with special educational needs?
I’ve always loved working with young people and saw early on how much a student’s wellbeing can impact their learning. I wanted to be someone they could turn to — not just in tricky times, but also to help them build confidence and resilience for the future.
What tips would you give to those supporting a young learner with SEN at home or in school?
Keep things simple and consistent: routines, downtime, and open conversations go a long way. Listen without rushing to “fix” things, and try out small strategies together like breathing techniques or ways to manage stress.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about SEN support?
It’s not just for when things feel overwhelming. Counselling can give students tools for everyday life, including helping them manage worries, build self-awareness, and feel more confident in themselves. Early support can make a big difference.
What’s unique about working in SEN at an online school?
One of the big positives about working here is that many students feel more comfortable opening up when they’re in their own space at home. It can make conversations flow more naturally. Of course, we have to be creative to make sure students feel connected and not isolated, but the flexibility of online counselling really does open doors for students who might not otherwise have access to this kind of support.
