I joined Wey Education plc in November 2019 as a member of the Humanities department. I was initially intrigued by the role as I had not heard of online schools before. The flexibility of being able to work from home, without the time constraints of a traditional school, was very attractive and has allowed me to develop an excellent work life balance. An added personal benefit for myself is no longer having to drive which, as a Geographer, is important to me as I have been able to reduce my own carbon footprint. I have been with the company for roughly 3 months and could not see myself leaving for a mainstream school anytime soon.

The role suits me perfectly and the welcome that I have been given by other staff members has been very warm. I have enjoyed my role within the Humanities department, involving myself with planning, and each member of the department has been amazing at easing me into my first year as an online teacher. The three words I would use to describe the culture and atmosphere of Wey Education plc are inclusive, innovative and caring.

I have worked for Wey Education plc teaching English since November 2016. What initially drew me to the job was that I could work from home, the benefit of which enables me to be around for my own children and dogs and not having to commute to and from work, which living in a small rural town often necessitates.

In the beginning, I was apprehensive at the prospect of teaching in an online environment as opposed to a traditional classroom, however, the experience of online teaching for almost 4 years now, has eradicated any misgivings I may have had about the quality of teaching and learning in this sector. Wey’s online classroom and Learning Management System enables me to interactively teach and the students to actively engage in their learning in practically the same ways as in any conventional environment. In fact, one of the considerable benefits I have found in performing my job in this way is that I spend virtually no time in having to classroom manage the low-level disruption I had previously experienced in a ‘bricks and mortar’ setting. Instead, I have found that students overall are quick to settle into their lessons and are courteous and respectful to their teachers and each other, which helps me to execute my job in a much more straightforward and enjoyable way.

The enjoyment of my job is also furthered by working with a fantastic team in the English department, who are supportive, collaborative, and friendly. Working for Wey has also helped me develop professionally and continues to offer me opportunities to enhance my teaching online skills both formally and informally.

I have worked for Wey Education plc for the last four and a half years initially as the Head of Operations, before being promoted to the Associate Dean of Learning and Innovation. In that time, the business has grown significantly and changed a lot. Working for Wey, I do not feel like a cog in a machine; I have been able to have a direct influence on the business through ideas, innovation, and team management. This has not been true in the roles I have held with other Companies. One of the main reasons Wey has grown so successfully is the ability to offer flexibility to our students in either Academy21 or InterHigh so they can study at the correct level and subjects to engage and motivate them. Through our platform, we offer true equality for learners regardless of their background or previous achievements.

The culture and atmosphere within Wey Education plc is a happy and welcoming one, teams mix well and there are many opportunities to socialise with colleagues. The Operations team work hard, have to deal with deadlines and managing different projects but are happy and always keen to enjoy a joke.

Throughout my time in Wey, I have been given multiple opportunities to develop my skills. I have benefitted from a high level of interaction with the Board of Directors, including the CEO. They have encouraged me and offered mentorship to help me develop. I have also been sponsored for several training programmes including a six-week development programme.

I have been working for Wey Education plc for 2 years now and what immediately drew me to the company is the reason why I have stayed; the flexibility it offers to both staff and students. The idea that students from all around the world come together to study a language and thereby gain further multicultural understanding is a powerful one and one that is particularly relevant to our department. What is even more exciting is that students and teachers may well be living in the cultures we are discussing and are able to provide live, relevant and interesting information about the countries.

This diversity is reflected across the whole of Wey Education, with teachers and students providing insights into international living and learning which can benefit all. Although there is a steep learning curve when you first join Wey Education, the technological aspect to our daily lives becomes a real positive and one that can be shared and built upon with our tech-savvy students, once again sharing knowledge to benefit all.

I have been given lots of opportunities to enhance my role at Wey, collaborating with colleagues to learn from best practice as well as being promoted to Senior Leader of Learning and having an input in how teaching and learning develops across the school. As all teachers complete the online Teaching qualification, we will be moving forward together and enhancing skills for the benefit of students into the future.

In my role as Business Development Manager for the North of England I work within a fast paced, innovative, fulfilling, and exciting environment where no two days are the same.

As an organisation, all of us at Academy 21 work with our partners in education to provide students with a unique learning platform to enable them to meet their full potential.

Academy 21 support our partners and their most vulnerable pupils and students who for whatever reason are finding mainstream education a challenge.

Since joining Wey Education plc’s Finance department in December 2018, I realised the numerous opportunities that could be available to me which would allow me to gain experience and broaden my knowledge far more than in previous roles. Wey Education plc is a leading online secondary education provider, providing flexibility and innovation to all students. Wey Education plc offer a flexible working arrangement which has allowed me to find a great balance between work and home life. Along with the many other benefits Wey Education plc have also sponsored me to complete my professional qualifications. Since joining Wey Education plc I have been able to complete my final 3 ACCA examinations at the University of South Wales and I can now proudly say that I am a qualified ACCA Accountant. Wey Education plc encourage continued professional development allowing me to further develop as a young professional and enhance my experience.

Wey Education plc encourage all employees to be part of future growth and develop new ideas to support their growth plans, process, and business efficiencies. In summary Wey Education plc are an extremely supportive employer providing me with the resources and skills to enable me to succeed within my profession.