Natspec Directory

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  51 

Glasshouse and
Argent College

Stourbridge

Residential
and day

80
maximum

An independent specialist college West
offering a holistic approach to Midlands
education for young people with
16 - 25 learning difficulties and disabilities.
years
What the college says....
Start
throughout Glasshouse College offers person-centred learning by role
modelling positive relationships in the fields of the arts,
the year crafts, commerce, agriculture, nutrition, living skills and
the environment. The Trust’s unique method, Practical
36 - 52 weeks Skills and Therapeutic Education uses a craft and land
per year curriculum to stimulate the development of executive
functions, throughout day and residential programmes.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01384 399400
Email: [email protected]
www.rmt.org/glasshouse

Wollaston Road, Amblecote,
Stourbridge DY8 4HF

52  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

Heart of Birmingham
Vocational College

Birmingham

Day
only

West 90 We offer learning experiences for
Midlands maximum young people with additional needs,
developing key employability and
16 - 25 supported living skills.
years
What the college says....
Start
throughout We provide an inspirational learning environment and a
person-centred vocational experience in a community-
the year based setting, enabling learners to achieve exceptional
outcomes. We empower our learners to prepare
38 weeks themselves for the next stage of their adult lives by
per year teaching them transferable skills that enable them to
become purposeful independent individuals.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 0121 809 0666
Email: [email protected]
www.hbvc.ac.uk

328-332 Bromford Lane, Bromford,
Birmingham B8 2SD

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  53 

Hereward College

Coventry

Residential
and day

270
maximum

Study programmes, learning West
experiences, and work opportunities Midlands
for young people with complex
16 - 25 disabilities and learning difficulties.
years
What the college says....
Start
September Hereward College helps learners to make progress
and realise their potential and ambitions. The creativity
36 weeks and skills of staff, working in partnership with the
per year community and employers, ensure learners develop
skills for life and work, achieve appropriate qualifications
and develop safe and healthy lifestyles that prepare
them for the future.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 024 7646 1231
Email: [email protected]
www.hereward.ac.uk

Bramston Crescent, Tile Hill,
Coventry CV4 9SW

54  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

The Hive College

Birmingham

Day
only

West 80 We provide an environment which
Midlands maximum empowers students to take their place
in society with as much perseverance
19 - 25 as they are capable of achieving.
years
What the college says....
Start
September We provide an individualised vocational curriculum with
study programmes designed to support young adults into
38 weeks paid employment, volunteering roles and access to the
per year wider community to ensure a smooth transition into adult
life. A highly skilled specialist team of professionals are in
place to assist students with SEND within the classroom,
on work placement and out in the community.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 0121 306 4800
Email: [email protected]
www.wsucbpt.co.uk

Perry Common Road, Erdington
Birmingham B23 7AT

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  55 

New College Worcester

Worcester

Residential
and day

100 West
maximum Midlands

NCW is a residential special school for
11 - 19 children and young people who are
years blind or vision impaired.

Start What the college says....
September
Every student has a tailored programme, carefully planned
38 weeks and delivered to meet their individual needs in three key
per year areas: academic achievement, independent living skills and
involvement in extracurricular activities at the college and
in the community. The opportunities provided to students
play a crucial role in the development of confidence and
self-esteem and preparation for life beyond college.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01905 763933
Email: [email protected]
www.ncw.co.uk

Whittington Road, Worcester
WR5 2JX

56  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

Newfriars College

Stoke-on-Trent

Day
only

West 170 Newfriars College is a Specialist
Midlands maximum FE College for young people aged
16 - 25 with a wide range of special
16 - 25 educational needs and disabilities.
years
What the college says....
Start
September Newfriars College (a member of the Shaw Education Trust)
provides highly differentiated FE programmes of study for
38 weeks young people. The college provides flexible, bespoke and
per year personalised courses which allow learners to develop skills
which prepare them for adulthood, employment, extend
access to the wider community, develop independent
living skills and move into further education or training.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01782 987180
Email: [email protected]
www.newfriarscollege.org.uk

Castle Grove off Newhouse Road,
Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 8BH

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  57 

Queen Alexandra College

Birmingham

Residential
and day

300
maximum

Queen Alexandra College supports West
people with a diverse range of Midlands
abilities and needs, including visual
16 - 25 impairment and autism.
years
What the college says....
Start
September We offer an innovative, holistic approach to learning
and support. Your programme will be tailored to
38 weeks suit your individual needs, interests and ambitions.
per year Class sizes are small and support levels high.
Staff will help you to become more independent
and confident during your time with us and they will
also prepare you for adulthood.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 0121 428 5050
Email: [email protected]
www.qac.ac.uk

Court Oak Road, Harborne,
Birmingham B17 9TG

58  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

Regent College

Stoke-on-Trent

Day
only

West 32 Regent College is a small, non
Midlands maximum residential independent specialist
college based in Stoke-on-Trent.
16 - 25
years What the college says....

Start Regent College is a small, non residential college
September providing a safe and supportive environment for people
but flexible who have severe and complex learning difficulties with
associated challenging behaviour. The college is within
38 weeks easy reach of the city’s amenities and convenient for
per year local public transport. Learners work on their individual
needs, gain confidence and develop vocational, social,
life and communication skills.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01782 263326
Email: [email protected]
www.regentcollegestoke.co.uk

77 Shelton New Road, Shelton,
Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST4 7AA

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  59 

Royal National College
for the Blind

Hereford

Residential
and day

75
maximum

The Royal National College for the West
Blind is the UK’s leading specialist Midlands
college of further education for young
16 - 25 people with a visual impairment.
years
What the college says....
Start
September The college experience is more than vocational and
academic qualifications. It’s about achievement
36 weeks beyond the classroom, a place to develop the
per year self-confidence, personal independence and
communication skills you need for your next step.
This is your journey for your future.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01432 376621
Email: [email protected]
www.rnc.ac.uk

Venns Lane, Hereford,
HR1 1DT

60  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

Strathmore College

Stoke-on-Trent

Residential
and day

42
maximum

West Strathmore College always aims to
Midlands deliver outstanding outcomes for
learners by providing innovative,
16 - 25 individualised learning programmes.
years
What the college says....
Start
throughout Our learners are at the heart of everything that we do.
All programmes are designed to focus on the learner’s
the year priorities identified under Preparation for Adulthood and
links to their Education and Health Care Plan. We aim to
38 and 52 enhance their skills and abilities to take them to the next
weeks per year stage of their lives.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01782 647380
Email: [email protected]
www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk

Unit 7, The IMEX Technology Park,
Bellringer Road, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8LJ

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  61 

Trinity Specialist College

Sutton Coldfield

Day
only

32
maximum

Trinity Specialist College is for West
individuals with learning difficulties Midlands
and/or disabilities and Autistic
19 - 25 Spectrum Conditions.
years
What the college says....
Start
September Our purpose is to educate, empower and prepare
learners to further develop their skills and confidence
36 weeks in order for them to succeed in being part of their
per year community and to support their transition to adulthood.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 0121 378 3242
Email: [email protected]
www.trinityspecialistcollege.co.uk

The Lindridge, Lindridge Road,
Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B75 7JB

62  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

What our “All of the staff
students say... at the college are
really supportive.
“Coming to the They know how
college every day to settle you into
is exciting as you college life.”
get to do lots of
different things.”

Conwy North West

Anglesey 2
Wrexham

Machynlleth

West Midlands

Pembroke 3
4 Swansea

Wales

Carmarthen 5 South
Cardiff West

1

Wales

1. Beechwood College
2. Cambian Pengwern College
3. Coleg Elidyr
4. Coleg Plas Dwbl
5. Priory Colleges of North and South Wales

Some colleges have satellites in this region: Derwen College (page 50),
National Star College (page 81).
For college details please navigate to their main college page as indicated in brackets.

64  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

Beechwood College

Sully

Residential
and day

73
maximum

Wales 16 - 25 Beechwood College aims to ensure
years students are supported to access
transferable, meaningful learning in a
Start manner unique to their needs.
throughout
What the college says....
the year
Beechwood College believes its students’ successes are
Number of derived from the highest educational and care standards
weeks variable delivered by a committed team against a set of guiding
principles. Our integrated learning approach, involving
the active participation of the education, clinical and
residential teams, aims to provide students with a 24-hour
learning environment tailored to their specific needs.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 0292 039 4410
Email: [email protected]
www.beechwoodcollege.co.uk

Hayes Road, Sully, Vale of Glamorgan
CF64 5SE

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  65 

Cambian Pengwern
College

Rhuddlan

Residential
and day

60
maximum

16 - 25 Our team of highly skilled tutors and Wales
years multi-disciplinary support staff deliver
an outstanding personal, social and
Start vocational experience.
September
but flexible What the college says....

38 - 52 weeks We pride ourselves in delivering learning through
per year person-centred programmes that are supported by an
extensive range of therapeutic input, fantastic on-site
facilities and off-site partnerships with local providers.
We provide a total communication environment
enabling all learners to reach their full potential including
practical skills with the aim of developing independence.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01745 592300
Email: [email protected]
www.cambiangroup.com

Sarn Lane, Rhuddlan,
Denbighshire LL18 5UH

66  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

Coleg Elidyr

Rhandirmwyn

Residential
and day

Wales 45 Specialist residential college of further
maximum education set on an 180 acre site in
rural Carmarthenshire.
18 - 25
years What the college says....

Start Coleg Elidyr is judged as ‘Excellent’ in all five Estyn
throughout inspection areas. Expertise in developing skills for
life for young people with autism and moderate
the year to severe learning difficulties and disabilities is
grounded in a multi-disciplinary approach to the
37 weeks identification of individual learning programmes
per year that focus on maximising life chances for each
individual’s post-college lives.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01550 760400
Email: [email protected]
www.colegelidyr.ac.uk

Elidyr Communities Trust, Rhandirmwyn,
Nr Llandovery SA20 0NL

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  67 

Coleg Plas Dwbl

Clynderwen

Residential
and day

25
maximum

16 - 25 An independent specialist college Wales
years offering a holistic approach to
education for young people with
Start learning difficulties and disabilities.
throughout
What the college says....
the year
Coleg Plas Dwbl (Pembrokeshire) offers person-centred
36 weeks learning by role modelling positive relationships in the
per year fields of arts, crafts, commerce, agriculture, nutrition, living
skills and the environment. The Trust’s unique method,
Practical Skills and Therapeutic Education uses a craft and
land curriculum to stimulate the development of executive
functions, throughout day and residential programmes.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01994 419420
Email: [email protected]
www.rmt.org

Mynachlog-ddu, Clynderwen,
Pembrokeshire SA66 7SE

68  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

Priory Colleges of
North and South Wales

Wrexham and Pontypool

Residential
only

50
maximum

Wales 16 - 25 Priory is an independent specialist
years college, providing education and
support for young people on the
Start autistic spectrum aged 16 - 25.
September,
January and What the college says....

Easter Priory College provides a safe and supportive specialist
learning environment where our students are supported
38 weeks to develop strategies to enable them to manage their
per year condition into adulthood. We aim to encourage young
people to develop the confidence and skills they need
for the next stage of their journey through education,
therapeutic intervention and independent living skills.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01495 762609 (S) / 01978 340580 (N)
Email: [email protected]
www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk

Coleg Gwent, Blaendare Road,
Pontypool, Torfaen NP4 5YE

West Midlands

Wales

Bristol 17 12
Swindon
15
20 10

Exeter 9 87 1
2
19 18
6 5 16
13
11 3
14
St. Ives Plymouth
4 Torquay

Poole South
19 Bournemouth West

Penzance

South West 11. Lifeworks College
12. National Star College
1. Aurora Boveridge College 13. Oakwood Court College
2. Cambian Lufton College 14. ROC College
3. Cambian Wing College 15. Ruskin Mill College
4. Eat that Frog CIC 16. Sheiling College
5. Employ My Ability College 17. St Rose’s and St Martin’s
6. Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education 18. South West Regional Assessment Centre
7. Fairfield Farm College 19. W ESC Foundation - The Specialist Centre
8. Farleigh Further Education College,
for Visual Impairment
Frome 20. William Morris College
9. Foxes Academy
10. Horizons College

70  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

Aurora Boveridge
College

Cranborne

Residential
and day

60
maximum

South 16 - 25 Aurora Boveridge College delivers a
West years vocational and academic curriculum
for day and residential students,
Start focused on personal progression.
throughout
What the college says....
the year
We offer a person-centred curriculum for students with a
38 weeks range of complex challenges, enabling access to a range
per year of vocational qualifications at Levels 1, 2 & 3 and academic
qualifications including GCSE and A Level. Individual
programmes include a comprehensive tutorial package,
work experience and independent living skills. Clinical
and therapeutic input is integral to our approach and
embedded throughout.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01725 551247
Email: [email protected]
www.the-aurora-group.com/boveridgecollege

Cranborne, Wimborne,
Dorset BH21 5RT

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  71 

Cambian Lufton College

Yeovil

Residential
and day

120
maximum

16 - 25 Our team of highly skilled tutors and South
years support staff deliver an outstanding West
personal, social and vocational
Start experience to our young people.
September
but flexible What the college says....

52 weeks Our learners leave Cambian Lufton College with skills
per year that are important to them as they progress towards
the next stage in their lives. We have an outstanding
reputation for supporting young people to learn and
achieve. We offer a total communication environment
enabling our young people to reach their full potential.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01935 403120
Email: [email protected]
www.cambiangroup.com

Lufton, Yeovil,
Somerset BA22 8ST

72  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

Cambian Wing College

Bournemouth

Residential
and day

South 46 A college providing holistic education
West maximum for students with Autistic Spectrum
Condition and associated mental
16 - 25 health conditions.
years
What the college says....
Start
September A specialist further education college for students
but flexible with a diagnosis of ASC and associated mental
health conditions. We provide robust therapeutic
38 weeks support alongside our students’ academic/vocational
per year programmes to enable them to gain the life skills,
qualifications and employability qualities to ensure
the greatest opportunity for successful outcomes.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01202 635630
Email: [email protected]
www.cambiangroup.com

126 Richmond Park Road, Bournemouth,
Dorset BH8 8TH

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  73 

Eat That Frog CIC

Torquay

Day
only

100
maximum

14 - 25 We help young people move forward, South
years gaining the confidence, skills and West
opportunities to reach their potential.
Start
September What the college says....
but flexible
We deliver bespoke education one-to-one and via
39 weeks small groups, enabling learners with social, emotional
per year and mental health barriers to build confidence,
employability and social skills. Learners who haven’t
thrived in mainstream education benefit from dedicated
tutors who help them develop at their own pace, with
programmes designed to engage their interests, to
ensure they progress and stay on-track to succeed.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01803 551551
Email: [email protected]
www.eatthatfrog.ac.uk

91 Union Street, Torquay,
Devon TQ1 3DG

74  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

Employ My Ability
College

Moreton

Day
only

South 43 Education and training college for
West maximum young people aged 16 - 25 with special
educational needs and/or disabilities.
16 - 25
years What the college says....

Start We offer a range of vocational qualifications alongside
September real, on-site work experience across our commercial
sites enabling young people to follow a clear pathway
into employment within the local community.

38 weeks
per year

To find out more, contact this college on:
Tel: 01929 405685
Email: [email protected]
www.employmyability.org.uk
The Walled Garden, Moreton,
Dorset DT2 8RH

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  75 

Exeter Royal Academy
for Deaf Education

Exeter

Residential
and day

80
maximum

16 - 24 We welcome deaf children and young South
years people from across the UK. West

Start What the college says....
throughout Our vision is to see deaf people valued by themselves
and their society, being confident, well educated,
the year independent, able to communicate, and with
good and appropriate employment and housing.
36 weeks Our principal aims are: acquiring a language,
per year developing socially and emotionally, achieving
independence & excelling educationally.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01392 267023
Email: [email protected]
www.exeterdeafacademy.ac.uk

50 Topsham Road, Exeter,
Devon EX2 4NF

76  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

Fairfield Farm College

Dilton Marsh

Residential
and day

South 120 Fairfield Farm College is a specialist
West maximum college for young people with learning
disabilities with day and residential
16 - 25 courses, short breaks and respite.
years
What the college says....
Start
September You can usually join the Vocational, Employability and
but flexible Independence Training course when you are between
16 and 19 years old, you can also join when older
38 weeks providing you have completed your course before
per year your 25th birthday.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01373 866066
Email: [email protected]
www.ffc.ac.uk

43 High Street, Dilton Marsh,
Westbury BA13 4DL

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  77 

Farleigh Further Education
College, Frome

Frome

Residential
and day

90
maximum

16 - 25 A college for young people with South
years Asperger’s syndrome, autism, social West
and communication difficulties and
Start associated conditions.
September
but flexible What the college says....

39 and 52 We offer a broad, flexible curriculum of academic,
weeks per year vocational and/or employability programmes to meet
the needs of all students, including those who have high
academic potential. Residential accommodation is located
within the local community and provides opportunities for
developing independence and social skills so our students
are effectively prepared for adulthood.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01373 456470
Email: [email protected]
www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk

North Parade, Frome,
Somerset BA11 2AB

78  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

Foxes Academy

Minehead

Residential
only

South 84 The specialist college and training
West maximum hotel for young people with learning
disabilities.
17 - 25
years What the college says....

Start We are an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ residential college.
September Vocational training takes place in Foxes Hotel, which
is open to the public, meaning students gain skills
38 weeks to achieve high levels of employment. Independent
per year living and employability training takes place in the
classroom and community, enabling our students
to live independently when they leave.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01643 708529
Email: [email protected]
www.foxesacademy.ac.uk

Foxes Fields, Selbourne Place,
Minehead, Somerset TA24 5TY

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  79 

Horizons College

Swindon

Day
only

70
maximum

16 - 25 Horizons College is an exciting South
years specialist provision for young adults West
aged 16 - 25 who have learning
Start difficulties and/or complex needs.
September
What the college says....
39 weeks
per year We aim to provide a holistic programme of study for
young people through challenging, relevant and engaging
learning experiences which support individual progression
and preparation for adulthood. It is specifically aimed at
learners with a range of learning and physical disabilities
including those with complex medical and therapeutic
needs and/or sensory processing difficulties.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01793 481493
Email: [email protected]
www.horizonscollege.ac.uk

Stratton Road, Swindon,
Wiltshire SN1 2PN

80  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

Lifeworks College

Dartington

Day
only

20 A specialist Further Education
maximum college for young people with
learning disabilities.
16 - 25
years

South Start What the college says....
West September
The Lifeworks Specialist College of Further Education
36 weeks is a bridge between school and adult life. Lifeworks
per year College is welcoming and lively, offering an innovative
programme of personal, social and vocational
education. Our individualised courses support equality
of opportunity by building on the foundations of
learning students acquired whilst at school.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01803 865075
Email: [email protected]
www.lifeworkscollege.org

Lescaze Building, Shinners Bridge,
Dartington, Devon TQ9 6JD

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  81 

National Star College

Cheltenham

Residential
and day

200
maximum

Personalised learning for young

16 - 25 people with disabilities, enabling them
years
to achieve greater independence.

Start What the college says.... South
September West
but flexible Learners are at the heart of all we do. An Ofsted and
CQC ‘outstanding’ college in Cheltenham, Hereford and
38 and 52 Wales offering exceptional education, care and therapy
weeks per year for young people with complex disabilities. The college
was described as ‘inspiring’ when named ‘Specialist
Provider of the Year’ at the TES FE Awards 2019.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01242 527631
Email: [email protected]
www.nationalstar.org

National Star, Ullenwood,
Cheltenham GL53 9QU

82  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

Oakwood Court College

Dawlish

Residential
and day

South 67 Oakwood Court College is a specialist
West maximum independent college where young
people achieve amazing things,
16 - 25 supported by dedicated caring staff.
years
What the college says....
Start
throughout Preparing for the next steps is really what college life
is all about. Our varied curriculum and enrichment
the year opportunities are designed to ensure that everyone
realises their potential. We have a therapeutically
38 weeks informed approach to learning, complemented by
per year specialist input from our Speech & Language Therapists
and counselling.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01626 864066
Email: [email protected]
www.oakwoodcourt.ac.uk

7/9 Oak Park Villas, Dawlish,
Devon EX7 0DE

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  83 

ROC College

Totnes

Residential
and day

70
maximum

A community-based college that

14 - 25 builds bespoke programmes of
years
learning for students.

Start What the college says.... South
throughout West
ROC College offers personalised learning pathways
the year and bespoke programmes of learning which take into
account an individual’s preferred learning style and
38 weeks environment. Individual needs are identified through
per year Person Centred Plans (PCP) and the provision of
Information Advice and Guidance (IAG).

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01803 868550
Email: [email protected]
www.unitedresponse.org.uk

The Boatshed, Teamer Quay Road,
Totnes, Devon TQ9 5AL

84  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

Ruskin Mill College

Horsley

Residential
and day

60
maximum

South 16 - 25 An independent specialist college
West years offering a holistic approach to
education for young people with
Start learning difficulties and disabilities.
throughout
What the college says....
the year
Ruskin Mill College offers person-centred learning by
36 - 52 weeks role modelling positive relationships in the fields of arts,
per year crafts, commerce, agriculture, nutrition, living skills and
the environment. The Trust’s unique method, Practical
Skills and Therapeutic Education uses a craft and land
curriculum to stimulate the development of executive
functions, throughout day and residential programmes.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01453 837500
Email: [email protected]
www.rmt.org/ruskinmillcollege

The Fisheries, Horsley Mill, Horsley,
Gloucestershire GL6 0PL

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  85 

Sheiling College

Ringwood

Residential
and day

42
maximum

19 - 25 Specialist college for young adults South
years with severe, moderate or complex West
special educational needs including
Start autistic spectrum disorders.
throughout
What the college says....
the year
A stunning, sustainable and eco-friendly 40 acre site
38 weeks close to the New Forest and Dorset coastline; the natural
per year surroundings of our college provide a rich, enabling and
therapeutic learning environment. Learning transferable
vocational skills through a multi-disciplinary approach
of education, care, therapy and work experience,
our students succeed on their pathways to adulthood.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01425 477488
Email: [email protected]
www.thesheilingringwood.co.uk

The Sheiling Ringwood, Horton Road
Ashley, Hampshire BH24 2EB

86  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

St Rose’s and St Martin’s

Stroud

Residential
and day

South 35 Specialist education for those with
West maximum physical, learning, sensory and
communication difficulties and
16 - 25 complex medical needs.
years
What the college says....
Start
throughout St Rose’s and St Martin’s provide education, therapy,
day and residential care for young people with a wide
the year range of needs. Our person-centred approach ensures
we help young people to achieve their potential as they
38 weeks approach adulthood. We offer a range of accredited and
per year non-accredited courses on-site and off-site and work in
partnership with local providers.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01453 763793
Email: [email protected]
www.stroses.org.uk

Stratford Lawn, Stroud,
Gloucestershire GL5 4AP

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  87 

South West Regional
Assessment Centre

Wimborne

Day
only

100
maximum

Preparing young adults for adulthood.

16 - 25
years

Start What the college says.... South
throughout West
Based upon personal family experience, we help to
the year prepare people for adulthood by focusing RARPA units
based on Employability, Health, Social Engagement
46 weeks and Independence. There are three main programmes:
per year Preparing for Life, Preparing for Work and Get into Work
dependent on each student’s readiness for entry to
employment.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01202 848099
Email: [email protected]
www.swrac.ac.uk

Merley House, Merley House Lane,
Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3AA

88  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

WESC Foundation

The Specialist Centre for Visual Impairment
Exeter

Residential
and day

50
maximum

South 16 - 25 Specialist college supporting students
West years with visual impairment and other
Learning Difficulties and additional/
Start complex needs.
September
What the college says....
38 or 52
weeks per year Students have access to learning and enrichment
opportunities across over 20 acres at two sites in the heart
of Devon. Access to on-site swimming and hydrotherapy
pools, horticulture, mobility training and work experience
are all part of the learning mix. Education in small classes
is complemented by a range of therapies and health
support, all delivered by in-house staff.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01392 454200
Email: [email protected]
www.wescfoundation.ac.uk

Topsham Road, Exeter
EX2 6HA

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  89 

William Morris College

Stonehouse

Residential
and day

35
maximum

16 - 25 William Morris College is an South
years independent specialist college West
providing further education to
Start students with complex needs.
throughout
What the college says....
the year
We offer a curriculum that is designed around individual
39 or 52 learner’s needs and provides them with a range of
weeks per year opportunities to develop skills; build resilience; assist
in transition towards employment and maximise their
independence. We provide both formal and informal
learning opportunities, which encourage learners to
prepare for life beyond college.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01453 824025
Email: [email protected]
www.learning-disability.org.uk

Chipmans Platt, Eastington, Stonehouse,
Gloucestershire GL10 3SH

90  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

What our “My work
students say... experience led
onto paid
“At break time, I employment and
often make the I feel very happy
tea and wash up and lucky to be
the cups. I do a part of the
this now at home team there.”
sometimes too.”

East East England
Midlands

1. North West

Watford 5 Margate
Oxford 9 Maidstone

7381 14 10 Dover
2

Guildford 11
12 Dartford
13

17 16

46 15

Eastbourne
Portsmouth Brighton

London & South East London/
South East
1. Ambitious College 9. LINK19 College
2. BeyondAutism 10. The Mount Camphill Community
3. Dorton College of Further Education 11. Nash College
4. The Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy 12. Orchard Hill College
5. Forward2Employment 13. The Orpheus Centre
6. Great Oaks College 14. Phoenix Autism Trust
7. The John Dewey Specialist College 15. The John’s School & College
8. Leighton College – 16. St Piers College, Young Epilepsy
17. Treloar College
Elfrida Rathbone Camden

Some colleges have satellites in this region: Langdon College (page 20).
For college details please navigate to their main college page as indicated in brackets.

92  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

Ambitious College

South Tottenham

Day
only

100
maximum

London/ 16 - 25 Ambitious College is an independent
South East years specialist day college dedicated to
supporting young people with autism
Start aged 16 - 25.
September
What the college says....
39 weeks
per year We offer a highly personalised curriculum and positively
support our learners to acquire new skills and take part
in everyday life. We are located within two mainstream
further education college campuses: the College of
Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL), and
West Thames College, West London. Our educational
approach focuses on the individual at all times.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 020 3870 8775 / 020 3873 2201
Email: [email protected]
www.ambitiouscollege.org.uk

Pears Campus at The College of Haringey,
Enfield and North East London, Clyde Road,
South Tottenham, London N15 4FY

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  93 

BeyondAutism

London

Day
only

30
maximum

19 - 25 Post-19 offers opportunities to young London/
years adults with autism – preparing them South East
for adulthood with a skillset that
Start enables them to have choice.
throughout
What the college says....
the year
By providing just enough support we are preparing our
38 weeks students for their lives after education. We believe that
per year adults with autism should: have a voice, be involved in
decision making and be able to contribute to society
as active citizens. Through an individualised personal
curriculum, our students follow a programme of study
that best prepares them for adulthood.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 020 3696 9805
Email: [email protected]
www.beyondautism-post19.org.uk

Hammersmith Hub, 214-216 Goldhawk Rd,
London W12 9NX

94  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

Dorton College of
Futher Education

Bromley

Day
only

London/ 30 An independent specialist day
South East maximum college supporting students with
vision impairment (VI), some with
16 - 25 additional needs.
years
What the college says....
Start
September RSBC Dorton College works in partnership with several
local high-performing mainstream colleges, providing a
38 weeks range of personalised learning programmes from Entry
per year Level 1 to Level 3. Integral to this is teaching skills for
living independently and resilience in preparation for
adulthood. Students are supported by experienced staff
with specialist VI support skills.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 020 3198 0225
Email: [email protected]
www.rscbc.org.uk

RSBC, 36 Bromley High Street, Bromley,
London BR1 1EA

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  95 

The Fortune Centre of
Riding Therapy

Christchurch

Residential
and day

38
maximum

16 - 25 Specialist college where learning London/
years develops communication, literacy, South East
numeracy, and independence
Start through a horse-based curriculum.
September
but flexible What the college says....

38 weeks Students follow individual programmes to meet
per year their specific needs, aspirations and outcomes whilst
increasing independence in preparation for adult
life beyond college. The curriculum is based around
preparing for life and work, including employability skills
through working with the horses, independent living
skills, English, maths, IT and communication skills.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01425 673297
Email: [email protected]
www.fortune.ac.uk

Avon Tyrrell, Bransgore, Christchurch,
Dorset BH23 8EE

96  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

Forward2Employment

Chatham

Day
only

London/ 30 Forward2Employment provide a
South East maximum year-long supported internship for
young adults, with an EHCP who
19 - 25 want to get into paid employment.
years
What the college says....
Start
September The programme offered by Forward2Employment is a
work based internship programme supporting young
39 weeks adults to achieve high quality, paid and sustained
per year employment at the end of the internship. Supported
internships are for young adults in Medway and Kent
who have a statement of SEND, or an Education, Health
and Care Plan (EHCP).

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01634 683990
Email: [email protected]
www.forward2employment.co.uk

Unit 30, The Joiners Shop,
The Historic Dockyard, Chatham ME4 4TZ

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  97 

Great Oaks College

Hounslow

Day
only

100
maximum

19 - 25 Education for people aged 19 - 25 London/
years with moderate, severe or profound South East
and multiple learning difficulties,
Start including ASD students.
September
What the college says....
37 weeks
per year Great Oaks College provides extended educational
opportunities to young adults who have severe learning
difficulties. Programmes are designed to prepare students
for active lives, increasing the opportunities available to
them through increased independence. We believe that all
of our students are capable of making outstanding progress
and becoming active members of their community.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 020 3962 9009
Email: [email protected]
www.greatoakscollege.com

Gresham Road, Hounslow, Middlesex,
London TW3 4BX

98  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

The John Dewey
Specialist College

London

Day
only

London/ 30 We provide an engaging
South East maximum multisensory learning environment
where students are encouraged to
19 - 25 achieve their potential.
years
What the college says....
Start
September Individualised programmes are available to every
student, based on assessment of their skills on entry
38 weeks and their aspirations for the future. Each programme is
per year framed within challenging group projects that support
the development of early vocational and independence
skills as well as promoting teamwork, social and
communication skills.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 020 8881 7739
Email: [email protected]
www.area51ed.org.uk

1 Mallard Place, Coburg Road
London N22 6TS

For more information about Natspec www.natspec.org.uk  99 

Leighton College –
Elfrida Rathbone Camden

London

Day
only

20
maximum

16 - 25 At Leighton College we pride London/
years ourselves on being small enough South East
to care, but big enough to make
Start a difference.
September
What the college says....
36 weeks
per year Our vision is for young people with learning disabilities
to have the opportunities to fulfil their full potential.
We deliver two Ascentis accredited courses: Personal
Development and Employability and enrol a maximum
of 20 students a year. Applications are open to young
people aged 16 - 25 with mild to moderate learning
disabilities. We are based in Kentish Town, North London.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 020 7424 1601
Email: [email protected]
www.elfridacamden.org.uk/leighton-college/

7 Dowdney Close,
London NW5 2BP

100  Natspec Colleges Directory 2020/2021

LINK19 College

Gravesend

Day
only

60
maximum

London/ 19 - 25 A specialist college for learners
South East years aged 19 - 25 which offers study
programmes that provide
Start individualised learning experiences.
throughout
What the college says....
the year
LINK19 College is a specialist institution for learners
38 weeks with an EHCP which offers full-time study programmes
per year providing individualised learning experiences. These
programmes develop key employability and life skills for
learners with a range of significant learning needs and
associated conditions. Learners are likely to require a
flexible level of support to meet their assessed needs.

To find out more, contact this college on:

Tel: 01322 629733
Email: [email protected]
www.link19college.ac.uk

LINK Centre, Block H, North Kent College,
Lower Higham Road, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2JJ