Derwen College delivers exceptional programmes and a rich learning environment for young people, aged from 16 to 25 years, with special educational needs and disabilities, including:

• Learning and physical disabilities
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Behaviours of concern
• PMLD

Their main campus is in Gobowen, near Oswestry in North Shropshire, where they cater for both day and residential students. They have a further three sites based around Shropshire for day students. These are located at:

• Walford (Baschurch)
• Telford
• Ludlow

Vocational pathways: Depending on the location, they have the following vocational pathways available.

• Hospitality and Food
• Horticulture
• Performing Arts
• Retail and Enterprise
• Sports and Fitness
• Business Support

These have been developed to prepare students for the work place. Their accessible learning environments are designed and operated to industry standards. Students gain authentic work experience in their public-facing commercial outlets, including: garden centre; Walled Garden Café; Station Café; Vintage Advantage charity shop; The Orangery restaurant; and their very own hotel! They are also proud to offer their students a well-established network of high-quality employer partners in the wider community. They work closely with each of them to provide tailored and relevant work placements.

Students are encouraged to choose one main and one secondary pathway, but they don’t have to. They work with every student to build a programme bespoke to them that fits their needs and interests. 

Not looking for a vocational route?

Learning for Life pathway: The Life Skills / Preparation for work pathway is designed for students not yet ready for a full-time vocational pathway. They will gain the necessary skills that support them in all aspects of life. This could be additional support with communication, personal development, interaction, team work and problem solving, or self-regulation. What you explore within this pathway is personalised and tailored to meet your specific needs.

Nurture Programme: Nurture Programme is a bespoke Life Skills and Sensory programme, offering day provision for students with Profound and Multiple Disabilities.

Alongside your chosen pathway, Derwen College will work with you to develop an individualised programme, which will include: Functional Skills (English, maths and ICT); Employability Skills; Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE); and Independence Skills development.

Your timetable will include opportunities to join in with sports and/or leisure activities depending on what you like to do. Many students discover new interests at college – they have lots of options for you to explore, including:

• Access to their renowned Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme at Bronze, Silver and Gold level, at its dedicated base on campus
• Their extensive sports programme taking full advantage of their fantastic facilities and location, e.g. football, swimming, Boccia, dance, cycling, tennis, gym, running, yoga, basketball and more.
• Wellbeing clubs such as;
  • Gardening
  • indoor cricket,
  • drama, dance and music,
  • craft
  • Pray and Praise
  • Forest skills
  • Photography
  • Chill out sessions
  • Acts of kindness

And many more.

• Trips, such as horse riding, theatre, museums, shopping
• Student Union Board

Student support is available in the form of wraparound support, e.g. Personal Tutor, Key Worker.

An extensive range of therapies and wellbeing support is available including: Positive Behaviour Support; speech & language therapy; occupational therapy; counselling; and physiotherapy and Learning Disability Nurses.

Many of their therapy services are integrated across all aspects of college life including care, work and the social settings, to ensure student needs are met. Individual therapy sessions, e.g. hydrotherapy, are also available dependent upon funding. You will be able to join in wellbeing sessions of your choice – such as mindfulness, relaxation Lego Therapy.

For more information, please follow the link to visit the website: https://www.derwen.ac.uk