Academy21 earns OEAS accreditation as UK's first online AP provider

Academy21 has been accredited by the Department for Education’s Online Education Accreditation Scheme (OEAS), becoming the UK's first online alternative provision (AP) to achieve this status. This accreditation, announced on March 20, 2024, underscores the Department for Education's initiative to ensure the quality and safety of online educational services, particularly in the alternative provision sector.

OEAS aims to provide assurances regarding the quality of education and safeguarding measures of online educational providers. Academy21 utilises live instruction and adaptive teaching methodologies to cater to individual student needs.

Academy21 collaborates with a wide network of schools and local authorities, providing online education to students with additional needs or those in challenging circumstances, aiming to facilitate their engagement with learning and successful transition to subsequent educational stages.

Alessandro Capozzi, Executive Head at Academy21 commented: “We’re really proud to be the first Online AP in the UK to receive this recognition from the Department for Education (DfE). We’re committed to providing students with an exceptional education that caters to each individual child's needs, and we welcome a scheme that recognises the vital role of quality online education in empowering students with additional needs or challenging circumstances.”

The Department for Education's review of Academy21 noted its focus on high standards and the constructive learning environment it fosters. 

The report notes: “A significant strength of Academy21 is the strategic direction, focus and oversight the executive teams at Inspired Education. There are very high levels of accountability - alongside similar levels of support. Central teams including, for example, experts in safeguarding, finance, technological development and curriculum provide additional expertise to support ongoing improvements.

“Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge alongside a secure understanding of the technical knowledge and skills needed to operate within an online environment. The positive learning environment they create promote pupils’ confidence and this has an important impact on the progress they go on to make.”

Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders said:  “We are proud to have Academy 21 as a valued ASCL partner and are delighted that it has received a very positive report from Ofsted under the Online Education Accreditation Scheme. 

“This accreditation scheme is an important initiative in the growing field of online education services and provides vital assurance to children, parents and local authorities of the quality of education and safeguarding arrangements. Academy 21 provides fantastic support to some of the education system’s most vulnerable students and its values closely align with ASCL’s mission to act on behalf of children and young people.”