Supporting Local Authorities with High-Quality Online Alternative Provision

Academy21 meets Local Authority quality assurance requirements through rigorous external accreditation and transparent internal processes. As a DfE-accredited online alternative provision, we appear on more than 70 Local Authority frameworks, each secured through robust checks of safeguarding, governance, teaching standards and reporting practices. Our inclusion on these frameworks enables schools and authorities to commission provision quickly and compliantly, confident that Academy21 has already met a high standard of provision and safeguarding.

Our live lessons are consistently monitored through lesson observations, real-time learner data and regular feedback cycles, while weekly attendance reports and termly academic reviews ensure full visibility for commissioning partners. This blend of external validation and continuous internal monitoring gives Local Authorities confidence in both compliance and educational impact.

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

Academy21 enables local authorities and schools to meet their statutory 6th-day provision duties with confidence. Our flexible online model allows students to be enrolled and attending live lessons within 48 hours of referral, ensuring no break in education following exclusion or absence. With a streamlined onboarding process and dedicated regional managers to oversee every placement, we provide an immediate and high-quality interim solution that safeguards continuity of learning and prevents disengagement. Our short-term provision bridges the gap effectively, keeping students connected, supported and ready for future reintegration

Our regional support teams work directly with Local Authority contacts 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.

Our provision is flexible to meet each student’s individual needs. Because those needs can change, our offer can adapt — scaling up or down as required. We provide a range of short-, medium-, and long-term options to ensure all students receive the right support at the right time. Furthermore, our range of both academic subjects and wellbeing classes mean you can provide a well-rounded holistic offer to your young people, from Year 5 to Year 13.

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.