Nisai Virtual Academy Ltd
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.
Who to contact
- Contact Name
- Learning Services
- Contact Position
- Learning Services Team
- Telephone
- 0208 424 8475 0208 424 8475
-
learning.services@nisai.com
- Website
- Nisai Academy
- Scan to visit this website
Where to go
- Name
- Nisai Virtual Academy
Costs
- Associated Cost
- Yes
Availability
- Referral not required
- Other notes
SEND Support
Nisai are section 41 approved. We have supported learners with various SEND barriers including: Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, Dyslexia, Global Delay and Moderate Learning Difficulties. With many SEND learners being in possession of an EHCP, we can support them to achieve their educational ambitions.
Learners with SEND who have joined Nisai in Key Stages 3 and 4 have gone on to achieve their chosen pathway, whether that be College, University, or the workplace.
We meet the needs of many challenges experienced by SEND learners such as avoiding eye contact and providing a familiar routine through timetabled lessons. We provide our learners with small, secure virtual classes (no more than 15 students). Subsequently, they can focus on their education without having the distraction of 25 plus other students.
Our students are based across the country including Manchester and their lessons are being accessed anywhere with an internet connection using a laptop, tablet, or PC. Our teachers are based from our office in Stockton-On-Tees.
Disclaimer
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It is recommended that you always check with providers that their service or organisation meets your requirements. We offer an impartial service and we cannot recommend or endorse any providers listed.
Background checks
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Checklist
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Some of the organisations on the website are not required to be registered with regulatory bodies. Therefore it is important that you make sure that the service is safe and entirely suitable for your needs especially if it is related to children or vulnerable persons. Below are some of the things you need to look out for.
- Check that the staff have been appropriately vetted. For more information on this please visit DBS.gov.uk
- Check that the service has child protection procedures in place if they are directly involved with children.
- Check that the staff are qualified and trained in the specific area.
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