Derwen College delivers exceptional pre-vocational, vocational and independence programmes to support young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to learn the skills and confidence needed to progress toward their future aspirations.
General description
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
- Moderate, severe, complex or Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD)
Derwen College is proud to achieve outcomes that exceed the national average for people with SEND – including progression into paid employment, voluntary work, further training, increased independence, and supported living.
The main college site, based in Gobowen, Shropshire, is a vibrant and exciting residential and day college with a determination to enable young people to achieve above and beyond their goals.
Graduates from the award-winning further education college are proud to contribute to their communities, with many achieving the skills necessary to live independently and secure employment or further training.
There are no ‘typical’ students at Derwen College. For us, there is so much joy to be found in difference.
Catchment area
Our main campus is in Gobowen, near Oswestry, Shropshire, where we cater for both DAY and RESIDENTIAL students. Our students come from all over the country.
We have a further three sites based around Shropshire for day students. These are located at:
- Walford (Baschurch)
- Telford
- Ludlow
At our satellite sites, students from specialist and mainstream education – some of whom have previously disengaged from education – are enabled to learn skills for work and future independence.
The main college site, based in Gobowen, near Oswestry, offers a unique campus-style experience, which parents often compare to university life: a busy social life; shared living experiences, and the chance to meet new people and enjoy new experiences away from home. These are as vital to students’ learning as preparation for work.
Curriculum
Depending on the location, we have the following vocational pathways available:
- Hospitality and Food
- Horticulture
- Performing Arts
- Retail and Enterprise
- Work and Independence
Our pathways have been developed to prepare students for the workplace and use our accessible learning environments, which are designed and operated to industry standards.
Many students work in the College’s visitor ‘Marketplace’ where students gain authentic work experience and skills in our public-facing Garden Centre and Shop, Walled Garden Café, Vintage Advantage Charity Shop, The Orangery Restaurant, and our own Premier Inn training hotel – Hotel 751.
As students’ skills develop, the College partners with local businesses to provide meaningful external work placements. We work closely with each student to provide tailored and relevant work placements for them.
Students are encouraged to choose one main and one secondary pathway, but this is not obligatory. We work with every student to build a programme bespoke to them that fits their needs and interests.
Pre-vocational routes
Learning for Life Pathway
A ‘Learning for Life’ pathway teaches students the necessary skills to develop their teamwork, communication and social abilities so they may progress to a vocational pathway.
Students are taught skills that will benefit them in all aspects of their lives.
This could be additional support for communication, personal development, interaction, teamwork, problem-solving, or self-regulation. What you explore within this pathway is personalised and tailored to meet your needs.
Nurture Programme
Our bespoke Nurture Programme teaches students with both Complex and Profound Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) skills to support their transition to adulthood through a Life Skills and Sensory programme, offering day and residential provision.
What else will I learn?
Alongside your chosen pathway, we 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, including travel training.
Students at Derwen College benefit from a full timetable of sports, health and wellbeing activities, including an exceptional Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards programme.
Specialist facilities
- Extensive sports and leisure programme. Wellbeing clubs, trips, ICT suite, student leisure facilities and much more.
- Access to our own hydrotherapy pool and swimming pool
- In-house therapies teams in SaLT, occupational therapy, and physiotherapies
- In-house nursing team
- Positive Behaviour Support
- Student Union
- Sports complex with fitness suite, multi-purpose hall and sports field
- Dedicated Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Outdoor Centre
Our expertise
We have expertise in meeting the needs of students with:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Behaviours of concern
- Asperger syndrome
- Severe learning difficulties
- A wide range of physical disabilities
- Epilepsy and/or associated neurological conditions
- Communication difficulties
- Complex, profound and multiple learning difficulties
We also meet other demands not listed above.
Our curriculum
We offer:
- Opportunities to experience real work situations
- Opportunities to follow vocational qualifications
- A personal development programme
- Opportunities to improve literacy, numeracy and/or communication skills
- Opportunities to take part in a wide range of social, leisure and sporting activities
- A transition programme for independent living
- A transition programme for supported or open employment
Our specialist services
Highly specialist nurses and therapists work together as an integrated team at Derwen College, offering an extensive range of therapies and medical and well-being support.
Medical and therapy support depends on individual needs and is integrated throughout various aspects of college life, including care, work and social settings, to ensure students’ needs are met. Individual therapy sessions – hydrotherapy, for example – are also available, dependent upon funding.
The nursing and therapy teams assess students who have specific care needs. Support practitioners work with parents and professionals to ensure students have the correct equipment and support while at College.
- A range of therapeutic services
- In-house nursing services
- Specialist staff to meet personal care requirements
- Specialist training to enable independent travel
- Registered with the Care Quality Commission and the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales
- Ofsted rated Good Provider
- Waking night residential staff
- We are the first specialist college to be awarded Silver Makaton Friendly status
- We are autism specialists accredited with the National Autistic Society
Other information
Derwen College also offers Short Breaks respite care for over 18s, offering the same expertise, facilities and experience to guests with SEND. Bespoke care packages run for 51 weeks a year, including day trips, social activities and independence skills. The residence is located in Gobowen, Shropshire.
Guests have their own room with en-suite facilities and full use of a communal kitchen. Meals are bespoke to preferences and needs. Experienced care staff are on hand to support when required.
