Academy21: Delivering Flexible, Trauma-Informed Online Education for Vulnerable Learners

Academy21 is a Department for Education (DfE) accredited provider of online alternative provision, dedicated to supporting students who face vulnerabilities or challenging circumstances. Working collaboratively with schools, multi-academy trusts (MATs), and local authorities, Academy21 offers a calm, structured, and consistent learning environment underpinned by expert academic and wellbeing support.

Empowering Vulnerable Students Through Trauma-Informed Education

Recognising the unique challenges faced by learners with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, medical issues, or other barriers to mainstream education, Academy21 employs a trauma-informed approach. This framework prioritises safety, predictability, and relationship-building, creating a supportive space where students regain confidence and re-engage with learning.

Academy21 caters to students from Year 5 to 11 providing a high-quality, live, online curriculum delivered by experienced, compassionate subject specialists. The programme fosters meaningful teacher-student relationships and small class sizes to ensure personalised attention, academic progress, and emotional wellbeing.

Flexible, Responsive Provision Tailored to Your Needs

Academy21’s flexible delivery models enable effective support for a variety of educational settings and learner needs, including:

• Internal Alternative Provision (Internal AP): Complementing schools’ existing strategies with a specialist online option.
• Hybrid Learning: Blending face-to-face and online teaching for learners requiring a mixed approach.
• Part-Time Timetables: Tailored schedules accommodating health or social circumstances without compromising educational quality.
   

This adaptability supports schools and local authorities in commissioning provision that best fits their learners' needs and organisational requirements.

Quick Enrolment and Flexible Commissioning

Understanding the need for timely intervention, Academy21 offers rapid enrolment processes, enabling students to access education with minimal delay.

Flexible commissioning options allow partners to scale provision to meet fluctuating demand, whether supporting individual students or larger cohorts, while maintaining consistently high standards.

Comprehensive Academic and Pastoral Support

Academy21 integrates academic teaching with robust pastoral care, recognising that student wellbeing is foundational to learning success. Dedicated wellbeing support includes regular check-ins and tailored intervention plans, ensuring each learner’s emotional needs are met alongside their educational goals.

Transparency Through Robust Reporting

To promote accountability and informed decision-making, Academy21 provides detailed reporting and monitoring of attendance, engagement, and academic achievement. This transparency equips schools and commissioners with real-time data, facilitating timely interventions and continuous improvement.

Proven Impact and Trusted Partnerships

Trusted by schools and local authorities across the UK, Academy21 has supported thousands of learners to re-engage with education and build pathways to success. 

By combining flexible delivery, trauma-informed practice, and expert teaching, Academy21 delivers not only academic catch-up but also restored self-esteem and motivation—empowering learners to achieve their potential.

Discover How Academy21 Can Support Your Learners

Academy21 partners with schools, MATs, and local authorities to provide reliable, flexible, and compassionate online education that supports learners with a wide range of needs. To explore the full range of provision and commissioning options, read or download the prospectus here:
academy21.co.uk/prospectus