The Reptile Academy

The Reptile Academy is a multi-accredited Centre of Excellence for reptile and amphibian education, animal welfare, and applied herpetology. Established as a not-for-profit social enterprise, the Academy combines specialist animal care with high-quality education, training, and research opportunities for young people and professionals. As a Supporting Organisational Member of the Royal Society of Biology, awarded for our welfare and educational excellence, we have a stake in education outcomes with respect to bioscience education, and we are advocates for SEN education.

We specialise in immersive residential training placements for veterinary, biology, zoology, and animal management students, alongside Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants aged 16 to 25. We have approximately 20 student placement agreements with universities nationwide, and many more colleges send learners to us. These programmes provide hands-on experience in husbandry, welfare assessment, behaviour, conservation, and professional practice, bridging the gap between academic study and real-world application.

The Reptile Academy is also a recognised SEND and SEMH specialist provider, delivering Alternative Provision placements across Dorset, Hampshire, and Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP). Our provision supports learners who benefit from practical, nature-based education, with flexible in-person delivery complemented by national online options. Programmes focus on confidence, employability, wellbeing, and meaningful progression into education or careers in the animal care sector.

Learners can achieve a formal accredited certificate and recognised GCSE-equivalent qualifications through Ofqual-regulated awarding organisations, including AQA and ASDAN, alongside bespoke training pathways developed through our own herpetology education framework. Our curriculum spans animal care, science, environmental studies, personal development, and employability skills, ensuring learning is both academically robust and practically relevant.

Beyond education, the Academy operates partly as a rescue, rehoming, and welfare centre, supports research initiatives, and collaborates with universities, local authorities, charities, and industry partners. Through outreach, professional development, and public engagement, we aim to raise standards in exotic animal care while expanding access to specialist education.

At our core, The Reptile Academy exists to empower people, improve animal welfare, and inspire the next generation of herpetology and animal care professionals. We pride ourselves on being a safe and inclusive space for all.