More than 150 schools in England have been identified as having a type of potentially dangerous concrete - with many now closing buildings or classrooms to make them safe.

This shouldn’t mean that pupils should miss out on their education.

In response to the upsetting and distressing news that schools in England made with a certain type of concrete will close immediately, Academy 21 is offering its support and expertise to schools and parents during this challenging time.

Alessandro Capozzi, Executive Head Teacher, Academy21 said: “Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the school closures. Schools are an important part of any community and play a significant role in a child’s life. We are acutely aware of the potential disruption and impact the sudden halt in education can have on a child and their families. Academy21 is on standby to help schools as best we can during this challenging time.”

While schools are increasingly becoming adept at responding to challenges, such as turning to online learning during the pandemic, it is often seen as a secondary or less preferable option. Organisations such as Academy21 are changing the perception that online education is not as effective as the traditional in-person model. As demonstrated by the fact that Academy21 students often achieve results above the national average in their GCSE examinations.

Leading online alternative provision provider, Academy 21, works with more than 800 schools across England and Wales to provide, high-quality, meaningful online education. Last year alone, Academy21 supported 4,500 students who were unable to be educated in a traditional setting. Academy21 allows students to continue their education with the least amount of disruption possible.

Academy21, established in 2011, has flexibility built-in, so services can be tailored for use in a way that suits each individual school. Their online provision serves as a short-term solution for those on fixed-term exclusions or awaiting permanent placements. For others, Academy21 is the early intervention that keeps persistently absent pupils engaged. From a temporary respite for young people struggling with EBSA to a long-term solution for pupils who cannot return to mainstream schooling, it can be adjusted to pupil needs, whenever needed.

Executive Headteacher, Alessandro Capozzi, is available to discuss what schools which have been forced to close can do, and the provision all should have in place to cope at times like these.

Notes to editors:

To arrange an interview, please contact:

alex.williamson@markettiers.com

Sandro Capozzi, Executive Headteacher, Academy21

Sandro began his teaching career as an English teacher, qualifying through the Teach First programme. Now an experienced senior leader, Sandro has a wealth of experience, having led in the areas of inclusion, pastoral care, staff development and the curriculum as a deputy headteacher.

Recently, Sandro served as headteacher of an online school, developing flexible, inspiring educational opportunities for online learners. Combining his past experience with a deep appreciation for the ways in which online alternative provision can support learners to thrive, Sandro is now in a position to make a difference: to build inclusive education in a way that blends the traditional and modern, preparing students for the environments that they will work and live in, and giving them the space and structure to develop not just as learners but individuals.

Sandro has an MA in Educational Leadership alongside the NPQH and a wealth of experience when it comes to inclusion. He firmly believes that all learners can thrive through an engaging curriculum and high-quality support that recognises student effort and enables learners from all contexts to achieve personal goals.

He is driven by ensuring students have an inclusive, engaging educational experience that motivates them to achieve their aspirations. Having led on SEND and inclusion, Sandro has a considerable understanding of the barriers to learning that many young people face. He has also seen the huge positive impact that alternative provision can have on learners facing challenges that prevent them from learning in the traditional sense.

Customer comment:

Chris Lloyd, Head of year 11 and Teacher of Maths, The Cooper School, Bicester: “No other online provider is able to support students remotely like Academy21. We use them for students who struggle to attend school and they are a great bridge to allow us to support them and allows the students to return to school, in no specific time frame, with the least amount of disruption as possible.”

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