Academy21, the UK’s leading DfE‑accredited online alternative provision, now includes a fully integrated Key Stage 2 programme for Years 5 and 6. This new offering enriches its established support for Key Stages 3 and 4—delivering flexible, cost‑effective, and tailored educational solutions.
In a landscape of growing educational complexity, Academy21 offers timely and trusted support precisely when it’s needed most:
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 is 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, which is updated after every lesson. There are also regular reports so that schools can effectively monitor progress.
Academy21 offers various solutions for Key Stage 2 – 5, offering 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.
“We are delighted to have extended our offering to include Years 5 and 6, marking a key advancement in our commitment to delivering exceptional educational opportunities for all students. Our highly experienced team of educators welcomes each new cohort with a curriculum that not only upholds academic excellence but also nurtures personal growth and wellbeing. We look forward to collaborating closely with our partners to positively influence the educational journeys and confidence of our youngest learners.”
Alessandro Capozzi, Executive Headteacher of Academy21
Extensive Expertise
Being DfE-accredited and present on over 75 local authority frameworks, Academy21 is trusted by thousands of schools, local authorities, Multi-Academy Trusts, and Alternative Provisions. Years of close partnership have given Academy21 extensive expertise in supporting students with SEN and deep insight into the support Key Stage 2 pupils need. The online AP also draws on the expertise of its sister school King’s InterHigh, a leader in online Key Stage 2 education for nearly 20 years.
