Individualised
Education Built Around the Learner
Every young person is different. Our programmes are designed around the individual learner, their needs, interests, strengths and aspirations.
Connected
Relationships Come First
Positive relationships are at the heart of what we do. We create supportive environments where young people feel listened to, respected and valued.
Purposeful
Learning With a Purpose
We connect education with real-world opportunities, personal development, sport and future pathways so that learning has meaning beyond the classroom.
About DNA Academy
A Different Approach to Education
DNA Academy was created to provide young people with an alternative pathway when traditional school-based education isn’t working for them.
We believe alternative provision should be a positive, purposeful environment where a young person can rebuild confidence, develop meaningful relationships, experience success and prepare for their next step.
Our approach combines education with mentoring, personal development and practical activities. We work with schools, local authorities, families and other professionals to create programmes that are individualised, structured and focused on progression.
Our aim is simple: To help every young person recognise their potential and give them the opportunity to fulfil it.
What we do – Bespoke Packages
We provide structured bespoke alternative education for young people who may be disengaged from mainstream education or require a different learning environment. Programmes can be tailored around individual needs and may include academic learning, accredited qualifications, functional skills and preparation for future education, training or employment.
Sport
Sport and physical activity can play an important role in engagement, learning and personal development.
Our programmes use sport and physical activity to help young people develop confidence, communication, teamwork, discipline, resilience and leadership, while encouraging positive habits and a healthy approach to wellbeing.
We provide opportunities for young people to develop new skills, build positive relationships and experience the benefits of being active in a supportive and purposeful environment.
Mentoring
Education is about more than qualifications.
We help young people develop the confidence, self-awareness, resilience and life skills required to navigate education, relationships, employment and adult life.
Through mentoring and meaningful relationships, we help learners understand themselves, recognise their strengths and take ownership of their future.
More Than Alternative Provision
Engage. Connect. Develop. Progress.
We believe successful alternative provision starts with relationships. Before we can expect a young person to engage with learning, they need to feel that someone understands them, believes in them and is prepared to invest in them.
Our approach therefore focuses on four stages:
Engage: Create an environment where young people feel safe, respected and able to participate.
Connect: Build meaningful relationships with trusted adults who understand the learner and their individual needs.
Develop: Build knowledge, skills, confidence and positive behaviours through education, mentoring and purposeful activity.
Progress: Help every learner identify and work towards their next step whether that is returning to mainstream education, further education, training, employment or another appropriate pathway.
The DNA Family Model
One Young Person. A Whole Team Around Them. Different Learners Connect With Different People.
We believe one of the most important factors in successful education is connection. Not every young person will connect with the same adult and that’s okay.
Our DNA Family Model brings together tutors, mentors and coaches from different generations, backgrounds and areas of expertise.
A younger tutor may connect with a learner through shared interests, technology, sport or contemporary culture.
An experienced tutor may provide reassurance, perspective and stability.
A coach may become the person who unlocks a learner’s confidence.
A mentor may be the person a young person chooses to talk to when they are struggling.
Different ages. Different experiences. Different strengths. One shared purpose: helping young people succeed.
This allows us to build stronger relationships, increase engagement and give learners access to positive role models they can genuinely connect with.
Why DNA Academy?
Experience That Makes a Difference
Our approach is built on extensive experience across education, youth development, sport and performance environments.
A Team of Experts
Our DNA Family Model means learners could access different adults, perspectives and areas of expertise increasing the opportunity to find someone they connect with.
Relationships Before Results
We understand that meaningful progress begins with trust. We invest time in building relationships before expecting young people to achieve.
Focused on Progression
Our goal isn’t simply to keep a young person occupied. We want them to leave us with greater confidence, stronger skills, meaningful achievements and a clear next step.
Individual, Not One-Size-Fits-All
We don’t believe in putting every learner through the same programme. Provision is shaped around the young person.
Education With Real Purpose
We connect academic learning with personal development and future opportunities so that learners understand why their education matters.
Our Partners
Working Together Around the Young Person. Better Outcomes Come From Better Partnerships
We work collaboratively with the professionals and organisations supporting each learner. This can include:
We believe the best outcomes are achieved when everyone around a young person is working towards the same goal.
Testimonials
What People Say -The Difference a Relationship Can Make
“DNA Academy provided a different approach that allowed the learner to re-engage with education in a way that worked for them. The relationship they developed with their tutor was a key part of their progress.”
School / Commissioning Partner
“For the first time in a long time, my child actually wanted to get up and go to education. The relationship with the staff made such a difference.”
Parent
“I didn’t think education was for me. DNA Academy helped me realise I could actually do something with my future.”
Learner
Ready to Create a Different Pathway?
Every Young Person Deserves the Opportunity to Succeed.
If you’re a school, local authority, parent or organisation looking for high-quality alternative provision, we’d love to understand your requirements. Let’s talk about the young person, understand what they need and explore how DNA Academy could help.
Our Team
The People Behind DNA Academy – Experience, Expertise & Relationships
Our team brings together experience from education, alternative provision, coaching, youth development and performance. But qualifications and experience are only part of what makes a great tutor or mentor.
We look for people who can connect with young people, build trust and make a genuine difference.
Our team reflects the DNA Family Model – bringing together adults from different generations, backgrounds and areas of expertise.
Dr Nicholas Jones
Founder & Director
Dr Nicholas Jones has more than 20 years’ experience across education, youth development, higher education, alternative provision and elite football development.
He holds a PhD in Elite Performance and combines academic expertise with extensive practical experience working with young people, educators and athletes.
UEFA A Licence Coach | PhD in Elite Performance | University and College lecturer | Alternative Provision Expert
A Team Built Around Young People
Our tutors and mentors come from different backgrounds and generations.
Most are experienced teachers. Others bring expertise from sport, coaching, business, youth development or specialist areas.
What connects them is a shared belief:
Every young person has potential.
Our role is to help them find it.
Contact us
Looking for Alternative Provision?
Whether you’re a school, local authority, parent or organisation, we’d be happy to discuss your requirements.
Tell us a little about the young person or the provision you’re looking for and we’ll arrange a conversation to explore how DNA Academy can help.