Animal Activity License: 9751
Telephone: 02380 394174
Alternative Provision
Alternative Provision at The Reptile Academy offers engaging, hands-on learning for young people who benefit from a different approach to education. Through animal care, science, and practical activities, learners build confidence, develop life skills, and gain recognised qualifications in a supportive and structured environment.
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At The Reptile Academy, Alternative Provision transforms education through hands-on experiences with animals, science, and conservation. Our programmes help young people rediscover confidence, develop valuable life skills, and achieve meaningful educational outcomes.
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All Alternative Provision enquiries should be directed to education@reptileacademy.co.uk
Alternative Educational Provision (AEP)
Specialist alternative education for young people who benefit from a practical and supportive learning environment.
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Our Alternative Provision programmes are commissioned by schools, local authorities, and other services to support learners who may not thrive in mainstream education because their needs continue to be failed to be met.
Sessions combine practical animal care, science, and personal development, allowing learners to work towards recognised outcomes through AQA Unit Awards, ASDAN programmes, and elements of the National Curriculum in Science.
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The Reptile Academy is an approved Alternative Provision Provider for Hampshire County Council, and we also provide AP by other arrangements for Dorset and BCP children.
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Provision is also available for electively home-educated learners through private enrolment.
Adult Provision
Inclusive learning experiences for adults with additional needs and their carers.
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Our Adult Provision offers structured sessions for adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, or additional support needs.
Activities focus on engagement, independence, wellbeing, and practical animal care experiences in a supportive environment, with the opportunity to also achieve certifications.
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Importantly, these sessions have a physical, emotional and social wellbeing benefit.
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Participants often attend through adult social care or supported living programmes or the NHS, though private bookings are also welcome.
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Sessions are usually funded through NHS Integrated Care Boards. For more information please see NHS England » What are integrated care systems?
AQA UAS Pathway
Recognised achievement through the AQA Unit Award Scheme.
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The AQA Unit Award Scheme allows learners to gain formal recognition for skills and knowledge achieved during their time at The Reptile Academy. Each completed unit results in a certificate issued by AQA, helping learners build confidence and evidence of achievement.
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Units can cover areas such as animal care, scientific investigation, microscopy, conservation, and practical husbandry skills, and can be mapped to AQA GCSE Units for example in Biology.
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Bitesize units, regular rewards, nationally recognised achievements.
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ASDAN Short Courses
Portfolio-based learning leading to a benchmarked Entry Level/Level 1 certification.
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ASDAN Short Courses provide a structured yet flexible pathway for learners to develop practical knowledge and transferable skills. Our programmes include the ASDAN Animal Care Short Course, alongside courses such as Science and The Environment.
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Learners complete a portfolio of evidence, leading to a benchmarked Entry Level 3 or Level 1 certificate, which can form a pathway towards GCSE-equivalent qualifications.
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Short courses allow learners to build the skills, confidence and explore GCSE-level themes through Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Learning, IT, Maths and English.
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For learners who wish to progress with us through to Qualifications, completing a Short Course is essential.
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The Reptile Academy offers a practical-based, in-person short course and as of 2026, an online-version for learners who are unable to attend in-person sessions.
ASDAN Qualifications
Progression to nationally recognised qualifications.
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For learners ready to take the next step, we offer ASDAN qualifications such as the Personal Effectiveness Qualifications (PEQ) which allow learners to achieve an Award or Certificate at Pre-Entry Level through to Level 2.
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We cleverly deliver PEQ through the medium of animal care/management in exotic species, sparking interest, creative thinking and engagement in STEM.
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These qualifications develop key employability skills including problem solving, teamwork, communication, and project work, while also supporting progression to GCSE-equivalent Level 2 qualifications.
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Completion of a Level 2 Qualification sets the stage for Level 3 opportunities which can carry UCAS points required for university.
Wellbeing
Supportive sessions focused on confidence, engagement, and personal wellbeing on our farm-based reptile centre.
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For some learners, the most important outcome is re-engagement, confidence, and emotional wellbeing. Our wellbeing-focused sessions prioritise positive experiences, social interaction, and meaningful engagement with animals and nature.
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These sessions provide a safe environment where participants can build trust, develop routine, and reconnect with learning at their own pace.
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We also offer flexible programmes tailored to individual needs.
The Reptile Academy also offers bespoke sessions, enrichment programmes, and specialist workshops for schools, organisations, and individuals. These can be designed to support educational, therapeutic, or engagement-based outcomes depending on the needs of the learner or commissioning organisation.