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Academy21, leading, DfE-accredited provider of online alternative provision (AP) education, has announced the launch of its Key Stage 2 provision. These courses will be available for Years 5 and 6 in the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year.
The expansion of Academy21’s services to schools and local authorities builds on its established provision and support for Key Stages 3 and 4. It directly responds to the increasing demand for flexible, cost-effective, and high-quality alternative education solutions.
Based on government data, in 2024, over 1.6 million pupils in the UK were identified as having a Special Educational Need (SEN), representing a 6.3% increase from the previous year.
Currently, persistent absence in primary aged students sits at 14.1% and research indicates that 1 in 5 children in England face mental health difficulties causing them to miss school. The support of trusted alternative provision specialists for schools has never been more crucial.
Academy21’s Key Stage 2 provision will be available to Year 5 and 6 students. It offers dedicated Reading, Writing, and Math courses taught by experienced, qualified class teachers. The holistic curriculum will also include PSHE, wellbeing, and oracy.
All online classes are live and interactive, delivered five days a week and available throughout the academic year. The lessons can be incorporated with schools’ internal provisions, so students remain connected to their school while accessing a high-quality education in a focused environment. This also allows school leaders to create flexible timetables.
Small group classes and opportunities for engagement (from interactive activities to circle time) will keep students engaged in the lesson content, with sessions ordered into short, interactive chunks.
In addition, all course information is available via the Academy21 platform and Mentor Hub, which is updated after every lesson. There are also regular reports so that schools can effectively monitor progress.
Much like Key Stages 3 and 4, the Key Stage 2 curriculum will be offered in various solutions, from short-term circuit-break support to in-house provision, ensuring that every student gets the support they need, when needed. The aim, as always, is to build confidence and support reintegration.
Alessandro Capozzi, Executive Headteacher of Academy21, says: “Our dedicated team of experienced educators is excited to welcome our new students, with a curriculum that not only meets academic standards but also fosters their personal growth and wellbeing. We look forward to working closely with our partners to make a positive impact on the educational journeys and confidence of young learners.”
