What is Academy21?
Academy21 is the first online alternative provision to be accredited by the DfE. We exist to support young people and to provide a supportive pathway through their education and on to successful futures.
Making a difference, together
We take a partnership approach and work with our customer schools and local authorities to ensure that the students placed with us receive the education they need and deserve, with tailored timetables, the right balance of subjects and SEN or additional needs catered for.
Our dedicated regional teams provide unparalleled customer service that ensures students and schools are set up for success.
The Online Alternative Provision Experts
All Academy21 teachers have QTS, are DBS checked and are UK-qualified subject specialists. But more than that, all of our teachers have chosen to work in an AP setting, they are genuinely passionate about creating the best learning experiences for their students and have special expertise in teaching those that may be anxious or withdrawn.
Our lessons are delivered 100% live in our interactive classrooms, where our educators can connect with their students and deliver adaptive teaching.
Recommended Usage
The DfE recommends that schools use accredited online provision since the introduction of the Online Education Accreditation Scheme. Online alternative provision works for many students, but like many strategies may not work for all. For some it can be an effective pathway to re-engage with learning, achieve recognised qualifications and/or transition back to mainstream education. Our regional partnership managers take a consultative approach when working with schools to ensure that the type of provision, timetable and combination of subjects is right for each child. Our live lessons and small class groups mean teachers can build rapport with students and increase student engagement over time. Many of our schools find success by starting their student(s) on a smaller number of subjects per week, before building in additional classes. In addition, many students start learning independently at home, where confidence is built with the help of our empathetic and supportive teachers, before their schools encourage a gradual reintegration to on-site learning. This can be through attending school a few times per week, while still studying with Academy21, or through a hybrid approach where Academy21 is used within an on-site unit to support academic study, freeing up school resources for pastoral support.
Educational Impact
Additional evidence
Oct 2023
Case study: Haybrook College
Feb 2024
Ofsted report
Dec 2022
Testimonial: Greenwood School
 Company | Business Name: Academy21 HQ Location: United Kingdom Founded: 2005 |
| Age Range | 11-13, 14-16 |
 Features | 24/7 Reporting100% Live And Adaptive TeachingSupport For ReintegrationGoal SettingAttendance MonitoringEffort, Understanding And Interaction ReportingLearning Pathways Tailored To Each StudentOne-to-one Teacher SupportDfe AccreditationTermly Teacher ReportsWide Subject ChoiceGcse RescueTailored Timetables |
 Languages | English |
 Accessibility | Robust features |
 Policies |  Terms of ServicePrivacy PolicyGDPR |
 Requirements | Internet - Low BandwidthDesktop - MacDesktop - WindowsDesktop - ChromebookDesktop - Linux For the best learning environment we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer and the chrome browser. Students will require a set up that includes speakers and a microphone. We recommend the use of a headset that combines both sound and mic. Access to Office 365 software is desirable for all students and compulsory for those studying functional skills ICT. A pdf viewer is also recommended. |
 Set Up | With a swift 48-hour turnaround for new enrolments, we make onboarding smooth and seamless for everyone involved. Our support for students starts on day one, with live induction classes and walkthroughs that help each pupil get off to a confident, happy start. Student changes or additions to existing accounts can also be completed within 48-hours, often less. |
 Training | In PersonLive OnlineWebinarsDocumentationVideos Our portals have been custom-built to account for accessibility needs and to make them as user friendly as possible so minimal training is needed. Students receive a live induction when they join to ensure they get off to the best possible start. There's also an induction video for students and mentors, and 'how to' guides as well. |
 Support | EmailFAQs/ForumKnowledge BasePhone Support Our regional customer teams are available by phone, email or video call. Technical support is easy to access through our website chat, where the technical support team is on hand to help answer any questions that may arise. |
| Home Learning | School must create the account. We work directly with schools and local authorities who retain our provision on behalf of their pupils. Our provision cannot be purchased or 'booked' directly by parents at this time. However, if Academy21 has been suggested by your school for your child, we do have information for parents on our website at the link above. |
 Tags | Alternative ProvisionOnline LearningOnline EducationGCSE catch up KS3KS4EnglishMathsScienceHistoryPSHEEnglish LitEnglish LanguageCombined ScienceICT Functional SkillsSEN SupportAccredited At home learning6th day provision |
Academy21 PricingPricing Plans Paid Subscription Academy21 pricing starts from £1900 / year Pay-as-you-go, half termly, termly and annual commissioning options give you the flexibility to meet the needs of your students whether they require short, medium or long-term provision. We understand that your needs can change quickly from week to week, so we provide: Lessons are delivered Monday to Thursday (4 lessons), over a 38 week term. Consolidation classes on Fridays, pastoral support courses and additional academic support classes for students with additional needs are also available. 1 seat, (1 subject, 1 student) for 38 weeks = £1900 with an annual contract. This includes 100% live, adaptive teaching in small groups, flexible learning pathways tailored to each student, one-to-one tutorials and 24/7 reporting for schools, all through our easy to use, custom-built portals.  Optimised for a quick response | |
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Academy21 Reviews
from 9 Verified Reviews
User rating
Country
Nov 2024
A21 is an excellent resource for those who struggle to attend school or even enter a school building. This way, they are somewhat in control of their own education and can get back into a routine, within the safety of their own home. One particular student has mentioned that A21 has been the best thing for them. Thank you!
Alison Casey found Academy21:
- Significantly reduces teacher workload“Teachers can focus on the students in their lessons and not have to worry about those who are not attending as they are doing A21.”
- Significantly improves attainment“We had 1 student from previous years who managed to go onto college and do a course of their choice. They were on the verge of not attending school and A21 really helped them get back on track.”
- Significantly builds student knowledge“I know of a particular student who has mentioned in their Annual Review that they now have an increased confidence in their learning.”
Marian Conran
Deputy Head Teacher
Used Academy21 monthly for 1-2 years
Nov 2024
Academy 21 supports our students with Emotional Based School Avoidance and offers us Alternative Provision for students who may be excluded from school for a short term.
Marian Conran found Academy21:
- Slightly reduces teacher workload“Students are not with our teachers so it doesn't impact teacher workload.”
- Moderately improves attainment“Students who enjoy learning independently at home do well.”
- Significantly builds student knowledge“GCSE grades and internal assessment data.”
Sep 2024
It doesn't suit all, some young people struggle doing work online. Feedback from them is they feel isolated.
Clare found Academy21:
- Slightly reduces teacher workload“N/a”
- Does not significantly improve attainment
- Slightly builds student knowledge
Samantha Latham
Medical Needs Teacher
Used Academy21 daily for 5 years+
Sep 2024
We have lots of positive feedback from students who like the variety in tasks offered during their lessons, the fact that there are break out rooms available and also private chat. I would therefore have no hesitation of recommending Academy21 to other people.
Samantha Latham found Academy21:
- Slightly reduces teacher workload“We don't offer science so we use Academy21 to deliver science. As we don't offer science it doesn't impact on our workload as teachers of other subjects.”
- Significantly improves attainment“Students who had not attended Academy21 for their science would not have gained any grade for this subject.”
- Significantly builds student knowledge“They wouldn't be able to have sat their GCSE Science exams without the knowledge imparted to them through their Academy21 science lessons.”
Sep 2024
Excellent support and provision provided
Hollie Wells found Academy21:
- Significantly reduces teacher workload“All planning and delivery is taken care of”
- Significantly improves attainment“Students are able to access their learning within school and home, it is fully accessible”
- Significantly builds student knowledge“Shown through mock exams, progress reports”
Lucy Moore
Assistant Headteacher - SENDCO
Used Academy21 weekly for 7–12 months
Sep 2024
Excellent customer service. Excellent provision. Parent feedback has been very positive.
Lucy Moore found Academy21:
- Moderately reduces teacher workload“Providing education without staff having to produce additional materials to send home.”
- Slightly improves attainment“Helpful in providing provision to those who can't attend school or have complex SEND.”
- Moderately builds student knowledge“Providing an environment for students to access learning where this is not possible in school.”
Chris Lloyd
Lead practitioner for alternative provision
Used Academy21 daily for 1-2 years
May 2024
I highly rate AC21 as a learning tol for students with specific needs.
Chris Lloyd found Academy21:
- Significantly reduces teacher workload“Teachers are not having to set specific work for students, allowing them to focus on students in lessons.”
- Significantly improves attainment“The main marker is the engagement in GCSEs at KS4, which is positive.”
- Significantly builds student knowledge“Confidence to sit exams/assessment”
Jim King
Assistant Principal & Designated Safeguard Lead
Used Academy21 daily for 7–12 months
Apr 2024
The team at Academy21 are very knowledgeable and helpful
Jim King found Academy21:
- Moderately reduces teacher workload“Reduce the need to supply work to children on suspension”
- Significantly improves attainment“Students with medical conditions that are unable to attend school”
- Moderately builds student knowledge
Melanie Orchard
Assistant Principal
Used Academy21 weekly for 1-2 years
Apr 2024
Provide excellent online support, good communication, quick to respond
Melanie Orchard found Academy21:
- Moderately reduces teacher workload“Providing an education to students who are home means teachers do not need to provide this work.”
- Moderately reduces attainment gap“Students feel more comfortable at home so are accessing more education”
- Moderately improves attainment“Access to teachers”
- Moderately builds student knowledge