Nisai Virtual Academy

Nisai has been delivering specialist online education since 1996, working in partnership with Local Authorities, schools and families across the UK and internationally. Our mission is to ensure that all learners, regardless of background or need, can access high-quality education and develop the skills to flourish through innovative, inclusive online learning.

We provide a supportive learning community from Upper Key Stage 2 through to Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, enabling students to achieve recognised qualifications including Functional Skills, GCSEs and A Levels, and progress to further education, employment or training.

Students with SEN/EHC Plans represent over 90% of our cohort. We support a wide range of needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech and language difficulties, dyslexia, global delay, and moderate learning difficulties. As a DfE Section 41 approved provider, we are recognised as specialists in supporting learners with SEND. 97% of our students present with at least one barrier to learning, with 82% experiencing multiple needs.

Quality of Education

We have designed an ambitious, inclusive curriculum that is carefully adapted to meet the needs of all learners. Teaching is delivered by qualified, subject-specialist teachers who receive ongoing professional development in adaptive teaching, SEND, and trauma-informed practice.

Our teaching is characterised by:

Highly effective adaptive teaching and personalised learning pathways
Structured differentiation, including scaffolded and stretch tasks
Use of evidence-based interventions, including Units of Sound (literacy support) and WordQ (word prediction and text to speech support)

Assessment is rigorous and continuous, enabling staff to monitor progress closely and adapt provision. As a result, pupils make strong progress from their individual starting points.

Learning Environment and Engagement

The online environment is purposefully designed to reduce barriers to learning:

Small, secure classes (typically no more than 15 students)
Short, focused lessons to reduce cognitive overload
Flexible communication methods
All lessons recorded for revision and consolidation

This structure supports learners who benefit from routine, reduced anxiety, and a low-pressure, inclusive learning environment.

Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare

Pupils benefit from a highly supportive and inclusive environment where wellbeing is prioritised. A structured induction captures the student and family voice, ensuring provision is tailored from the outset.

Our team provides:

Ongoing pastoral care and wellbeing monitoring
Access to virtual mentoring and in-person mentoring to support confidence, life skills and emotional wellbeing
Careers guidance and enrichment opportunities
Close communication with families and professionals

Pupils are encouraged to develop confidence, resilience and independence, and to build positive relationships. They also have access to a secure, moderated Social Space, where they can interact with peers in a safe and structured environment.

This supports:

Development of social and communication skills
A sense of belonging and community
Increased confidence in engaging with others

This is particularly beneficial for students with SEND who may find traditional social environments challenging.

Our Offer

Provision from Upper Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 5, including long-term and short-term placements
Flexible timetables personalised to their individual needs
Personalised learning with optional 1:1 mentoring support
Next-day start available for core programmes (for referrals received before 4:30pm)
100% live, interactive lessons delivered by qualified, subject-specialist teachers
Access to recognised qualifications: Functional Skills, GCSEs and A Levels
Real-time attendance tracking and 24/7 progress reporting via bespoke systems
Flexible pathways, including reintegration to mainstream education or progression to further education, employment or training

Outcomes and Impact

Pupils, many of whom have experienced disrupted education or placement breakdown, successfully re-engage with learning at Nisai.

Attendance improves significantly, typically exceeding 75% within provision compared to much lower pre-placement levels, typically below 25%.

94% of our students progress to positive destinations, including reintegration into school, further or higher education, employment or training. Pupils develop the confidence, independence and skills needed to succeed.