Make a Referral | Online Alternative Provision UK

Make a Referral

Referring a young person to Apricot Learning is simple. We work quickly and collaboratively with Schools, Local Authorities, Fostering Agencies, and Families to put the right teaching in place, often within just a few days. Every referral begins a process of rebuilding confidence, connection, and progress through calm, trauma-informed online lessons.

How to Make a Referral

Submit an Enquiry

Complete the referral form and contact us by phone or email. We confirm receipt within one working day.

Consultation

We discuss the learner's background, needs, and goals to design a tailored learning plan.

Start Learning

Students can begin lessons as soon as 48 hours after induction, helping them re-engage quickly.

Ongoing Review

We provide regular progress reports covering attendance, engagement, progress, and outcomes.

Every Referral Matters

When you refer a young person to Apricot Learning, you're opening the door to a safe, supportive learning environment where they can rebuild their confidence and re-engage with education at their own pace.

Our trauma-informed approach means every student is treated with compassion, understanding, and respect. We work alongside you to ensure the transition is smooth and the support is exactly what they need.

48hrs

Average start time after induction

Small Groups

Personalised attention for every student

To make a referral, please complete our online form and email our team directly. We'll review your information, arrange a consultation, and confirm a start date. Please send all Referral Forms to:

Who We Support

We teach young people aged 8 to 18+ who can't currently access mainstream education. This may include learners with:

Living with anxiety, medical needs, or school-based trauma
Identified with SEND or EHCP requirements
Experiencing interrupted attendance or school refusal, including those affected by EBSA
Living in care placements, supported by fostering agencies, or are care-experienced or looked-after children
Accessing Alternative Provision or Hospital Outreach Education

Working Together Across the UK

We Partner With

Local Authorities and Virtual Schools
Alternative Provisions, Therapeutic Schools, and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)
Mainstream Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) needing interim or bespoke provision
Fostering Agencies, Supported Accommodation Providers or Children’s Homes
Social Workers, SENCOs, and Education Welfare Teams
Parents and Guardians arranging individual tuition

We work in partnership with schools, fostering agencies, and local authorities across the UK to make education accessible, compassionate, and consistent for every young person who needs something different. Our online provision reaches students wherever they are, removing barriers and providing specialist support that helps them re-engage, rebuild confidence, and make real progress.

We're proud to have delivered provision for:

Bath & North East Somerset Council
Bournemouth Borough Council
Cambridgeshire Council
Camden Council
Central Bedfordshire Council
Cheshire East Council
Cheshire West & Chester Council
Cornwall Council
Derby City Council

Devon County Council
Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council
Gloucestershire Council
South Gloucestershire Council
Hackney Council
Haringey Council
Kent County Council
Manchester City Council
Middlesbrough Council

Milton Keynes Council
Northamptonshire County Council
North Tyneside Council
Sheffield City Council
Wiltshire Council
Worcestershire County Council
City of York Council
North Yorkshire County Council

Need Support Before Referring?

If you're unsure whether Apricot Learning is the right fit, we're always here to help you explore your options. Our team can talk you through eligibility, funding routes, and how we tailor support for young people with a wide range of needs, including anxiety, EBSA, SEND, care-experienced backgrounds, or disrupted education.

If you'd like to see how our teaching works in real life, your student is welcome to join one of our free Wednesday taster sessions. It's a relaxed, no-pressure way to experience a live lesson, meet our teachers, and get a feel for how online learning can help a young person re-engage safely and confidently.

Transforming Lives Every Day

Thank you so much for your kindness and patience. Watching him grow in his confidence is something that I have loved to watch. You have helped to shape his journey. This has honestly been one of the hardest battles I have ever had to go through. You have made it so much easier for us. I wish you all the best and we send lots of love!

Parent Testimonial

I wanted to let you know that our daughter has been offered a place at a school and is starting tomorrow.

I just wanted to say a really big thank you for all your hard work while teaching them, and for all the patience and encouragement you have given.

They have said they are going to miss their maths lessons with you!

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Parent Testimonial

I just wanted to email to say thank you for everything you've done for me and supporting me while I've been at Apricot.

Student Testimonial

I just wanted to thank you for teaching me for these past few weeks, I've had an amazing time.

Student Testimonial

You and the other educators here are great, I feel very confident.

Student Testimonial

It's all going very well at Uni. Loving the course (Ecology & Wildlife Conservation) and the social life – just wanted to let you know.

Student Testimonial

It would be so amazing if I could continue learning with you!

Student Testimonial

I really appreciate you helping bring that enjoyment and enthusiasm back for learning and making the lessons work for my health! Now I can say I have overcome all of the challenges and completed my English exams.

Student Testimonial

Thank you so much for all the help you've given me and for helping me revise for these exams! You have been an amazing teacher and I'm so grateful for how you made the lessons suit my learning style.

Student Testimonial

I moved on and went back - thank you for your advice on picking whatever you're more confident with!

Student Testimonial

I was happy once of the stories fit something for the exam! Hopefully it will get me good marks.

Student Testimonial

Thank you so much for the tip about the four highlighters, as this really helped me with both papers.

Student Testimonial

Thanks again for your support – I hope that you're able to help other struggling students, just as much as you've helped me.

Student Testimonial

I couldn't have gotten the results I did without you. I've managed to move on to the next stage of my education, and I have you to thank for it.

Student Testimonial

I shout Apricot's praises to everyone I come across on all the EHCP groups and forums!

Parent Testimonial

After the hellish 4 years we've been through, the fact that she managed to sit any exams is a miracle. The teaching she had from you at Apricot got her over the finishing line.

Parent Testimonial

We are delighted as Sam got mostly all 5s and 6s for his GCSEs. Thank you for all your help and support!

Parent Testimonial

Gina is thrilled she passed English Language with a 5 and Combined Science with a 44. She enjoyed her lessons and how supportive everyone was.

Parent Testimonial

That lesson was absolutely lovely – Mara said if all learning was with someone like you, she'd be able to do more.

Parent Testimonial

I can't thank you enough for all the help and genuine care you have given Hannah this year. You gave her the best possible positive return to school lessons and restored her trust in teachers.

Parent Testimonial

After talking with you, she's excited about tackling the questions in a different order to maximise the points. Like a different person!

Parent Testimonial

After the lesson today with you, Hannah is so much happier. Thank you so much!

Parent Testimonial

Leia is absolutely smashing college with 100% attendance and has tentatively made a friend too! We are still so grateful to Apricot for holding her through the storm and getting her the GCSEs she needed.

Parent Testimonial

Sarah refused to speak at first due to high anxiety, but now she logs in independently and has the confidence to do the whole lesson without my input. You have made such a difference.

Parent Testimonial

This is a massive thank you from me. Paul has not spoken to anyone outside of the home in the last three years, but you made him feel so comfortable that he was ready to get going.

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Parent Testimonial

Julie got a 4 for her English resit and used all the "wow words" you taught her. She's happy and doing well at college - thanks for all you did for us!

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Parent Testimonial

I haven't seen Riley that engaged for well over 5 years! He seems to be particularly enjoying Psychology – thank you for making it a comfortable space for him.

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Parent Testimonial

He is really enjoying your lessons and it's so lovely to see him able to take part and feel proud of himself.

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Parent Testimonial

Your lessons are helping Ian so much and giving him the chance to know that he can do it. He has shown an interest in attending school again – this is a huge step.

Parent Testimonial

He is gaining so much confidence and always feels great about himself after your lessons. You have such a lovely way about you and the way you teach.

Parent Testimonial

Danny has been through quite an ordeal but is becoming so confident in his learning after missing so much school. Each and every one of you are helping him and making his life that little bit easier.

Parent Testimonial

Thank you for being exactly the teacher Michael needs.

Parent Testimonial

You're amazing! Always making me chuckle in the mornings and it brightens the day.

Parent Testimonial

Lucas wouldn't engage with LEA tutors at all, but Apricot teachers included things he was interested in and the lessons were so successful at engaging him. He's now enjoying learning and likes his teachers – it's a win-win!

Parent Testimonial

Jon has become a different child since working with Apricot after three previous AP's didn't work. I'm also extremely impressed with the learning platform – a massive thank you!

Client Testimonial