Working with schools

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At The Academic Arcade, we recognise the incredible work schools do every day to support diverse learners. Inclusion teams, SENCOs, and pastoral staff are often working tirelessly to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

However, even the most dedicated schools face structural challenges. Large class sizes, curriculum demands, and time constraints can make it difficult to provide the level of personalised support that some students require.

This is where collaboration becomes powerful.

The Academic Arcade works alongside schools to provide additional support for students who may need a more flexible or individualised approach to learning.

Our aim is not to replace the role of schools, but to complement and extend the support already in place.

Extending Inclusion Beyond the Classroom

Many schools proudly identify as inclusive institutions, and rightly so. Yet in practice, inclusion can sometimes be limited by the practical realities of the school environment.

Some students require learning structures that simply cannot exist within a traditional classroom setting.

These students may experience:

• school-related anxiety  

• neurodiverse learning differences  

• difficulty engaging within large classroom environments  

• academic disengagement despite strong intellectual ability  

• school refusal or emotional burnout  

Through partnership with The Academic Arcade, schools are able to extend their inclusion provision beyond the boundaries of the school day.

This allows schools to demonstrate a deeper commitment to inclusive education by ensuring that even the most complex learners have access to meaningful support.

How We Collaborate With Schools

Our approach is built on professional collaboration and open communication with school teams.

Schools may work with The Academic Arcade in several ways:

Referral Pathway for Families

Schools can refer families who may benefit from additional academic support outside of the classroom. This can be particularly valuable for students who require a more personalised learning structure in order to remain engaged with education.

Supplementary Academic Support

Students may work with our tutors alongside their school programme. Our sessions reinforce learning, build confidence, and provide the additional time and attention some learners require.

Support During Periods of School Difficulty

When students experience periods of heightened anxiety, disengagement, or school refusal, The Academic Arcade can provide continuity of learning and mentoring support while longer-term strategies are explored.

Collaborative Communication

Where appropriate, we maintain open communication with schools to ensure that support provided externally aligns with the student’s educational needs.

24/7 Student Mentorship

One of the unique elements of The Academic Arcade model is the provision of a dedicated mentor for each student.

Students have ongoing access to guidance, encouragement, and accountability beyond scheduled tutoring sessions. This continuous support helps students remain connected to their learning and provides reassurance during moments of difficulty.

For many learners, simply knowing that support is always available can make a profound difference in their confidence and engagement.

A Shared Commitment to Student Success

True inclusion means recognising that different learners require different pathways.

By working together, schools and The Academic Arcade can ensure that students who may otherwise struggle within traditional structures still have access to meaningful, supportive educational experiences.

Our shared goal is simple: to ensure that every student feels capable, supported, and able to continue progressing in their learning journey.

If you are a SENCO, Inclusion Lead, or school leader interested in exploring collaboration, we would be delighted for you to explore options with us.

We offer speech and language therapy services for children with communication disorders. Our team works with families and educators to develop individualized treatment plans that target each child's specific needs.

Our occupational therapists work with children with disabilities to develop skills needed for daily living, such as dressing, grooming, and feeding. We also provide sensory integration therapy to help children regulate their responses to sensory input.

We offer physical therapy services for children with disabilities or delays in motor development. Our team works with families and educators to develop treatment plans that improve mobility, strength, and coordination.

We understand that raising a child with special needs can be challenging. Our team provides support to families, including counseling, education, and referrals to community resources.

We offer playgroups for parents and young children with disabilities. Our playgroups provide opportunities for children to practice social skills while parents connect with each other and gain support from our team.