Founded in 2008, Atkins Academy started out as a web based English Academy with the intention of offering food for thought and a little something for anyone who shared our passion for the English language. Since then, the company has grown and we are no longer "just" an online phenomenon.

From the outset, we have been offering mentoring and private tuition services, especially to the local Black Ethnic Minority. Working with disadvantaged young people and their parents and carers, we have gained an in-depth understanding of what we now consider to be a local problem that needs local solutions. This led us to formulate a plan for a new organisational set-up with a strong afro-centric focus.

In March 2009 we founded our first sister company, Atkins Associates, a training organisation through which we will be offering work-based learning in a number of different areas from education to sales and property maintenance. A year later, in March 2010, we saw a need to separate our adult and teenage students and thus our second sister company, Atkins Acorns, was born. The Atkins Family is now complete with a three tier organisation catering for students of all ages.

As of September 2011, Atkins Academy is a bona fide college offering adult learning in a range of subjects from beginner's level up to degree level courses. We are currently accredited by EDI and London Chamber of Commerce and Industry for our Level 1 to 5 qualifications; and by the Cyprus Institute of Marketing for our Degree Programmes. In addition to a recognised qualification, our students can also gain invaluable work experience through Atkins Associates.

Our ethos is one of inclusion, inspiration and involvement and our mission is to raise aspirations, maximise potential and create opportunities for success. We welcome students from all walks of life, but our focus remains afro-centric with a distinct Scandiribbean touch. In the meeting between our own cultural backgrounds we believe that we have managed to create a curriculum and a learning environment that brings together traditional Scandinavian educational values and the Caribbean strive for independence and joie-de-vivre in a colourful fusion.

We believe that, together with our learners, staff and volunteers, we can build a stronger community and help our young find the way back to their authentic selves. With a strong grounding in their cultural belonging we believe they will be better equipped to face their future.

Welcome to Atkins Academy - together we will make a difference!

John Atkins & Evalena Styf