Derwen College

Derwen College delivers exceptional programmes within a rich learning environment. Students who attend Derwen are aged from 16 to 25 years and have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) including: 

• Learning and physical disabilities
• Autism
• Behaviours of concern
• Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) 

We offer residential placements at our main campus in Gobowen, near Oswestry in North Shropshire, and also have day placements at Gobowen, Ludlow, Telford and Walford. 

Learning Programmes at Derwen include:

• Study Programmes, which are delivered through our Learning Pathways at each of our four sites.
• Nurture is our programme for students with profound and multiple learning disabilities and is available at our Gobowen site.
• Springboard gives access to work experience opportunities and support to improve independence skills. 

Vocational pathways

Depending on the location, we 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. Our accessible learning environments are designed and operated to industry standards. Students gain authentic work experience in our public-facing commercial outlets, including: garden centre; Walled Garden Café; Station Café; Vintage Advantage charity shop; The Orangery restaurant; and our very own hotel! We are also proud to offer our students a well-established network of high-quality employer partners in the wider community. We 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. We work with every student to build a programme bespoke to them that fits their needs and interests. Come and talk to us about what would suit you. 

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. You will gain the necessary skills that support you 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 and residential provision for students with Profound and Multiple Disabilities. 

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. 

What else can I get involved with?
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 – we have lots of options for you to explore, including:

• Access to our renowned Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme at Bronze, Silver and Gold level, at its dedicated base on campus
• Our extensive sports programme taking full advantage of our fantastic facilities and location, e.g. canoeing, 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
You will have wraparound support, e.g. Personal Tutor, Key Worker. 

Learner Voice

Learner Voice at Derwen College is very strong and student views influence everything that we do.

We have a thriving Student Union (SU). The SU Board is very active across the college and beyond, helping to drive forward change for people with SEND. 

Students participate in the NATSPEC parliament twice a year, in which they work with other SEND specialist colleges from around the Country to highlight issues specific to them.  In 2021 we worked on the rights of people with disabilities, and received a letter of thanks from the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Justin Tomlinson, for our contribution to the National Disability Survey, which was collated during the Parliament session. 

Therapy
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 our 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. 

See our virtual tour and begin your Derwen College journey! 

Ofsted Unique Reference Number - 133173

Matrix – update 08.05.2021

Disability Confident Employer – update 18.01.2021

Charity number: 1153280 

Additional links:

Our Offer; Admissions

Costings: Please contact Derwen College directly to find out more about costings for placements. 

Dates and Times: Derwen College operates termly, over 37 weeks of a year, offering day and residential placements.  

Additional Information: Derwen College also offers Short Breaks holiday provision for young adults aged 18 upwards to enjoy a break. Guests can take part in a range of activities and trips, as well as making use of the campus facilities. Short breaks are available year round apart from two weeks closure at Christmas. Find out more here - https://www.derwen.ac.uk/short-breaks-respite/ 

Derwen College Ludlow

Derwen College Ludlow is a small site offering day placements for young adults aged between 16 and 25 with learning difficulties, disabilities and challenging needs, who live in or around south Shropshire.

Students at Derwen College Ludlow can gain qualifications from Entry Level up to Level 2, covering core skills in Business, Support and Enterprise. There is also the opportunity to access work within the local community.

Bespoke timetables are tailored to each student’s needs and aspirations.

Students can expect to take part in a variety of vocational activities to prepare them for the world of work, such as customer service, business administration and employability skills.

In addition, the Pathway helps students to improve English, maths, ICT, personal and social skills. Furthermore, students are supported to develop confidence and independence and be able to take part in a range of enrichment activities.

Email: admissions@derwen.ac.uk

Address: Derwen College Ludlow, 8-9 The Business Quarter, Eco Park Road, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 1FD

Derwen College Walford

Derwen College Walford is a small site offering day placements for young adults aged between 16 and 25 with learning difficulties, disabilities and challenging needs, who live in or around Shropshire.

Students at Derwen College Walford can gain qualifications from Entry Level up to Level 2 in Horticulture, or in Sports and Fitness. There is also the opportunity to access work within the local community.

Bespoke timetables are tailored to each student’s needs and aspirations.

Students can expect to take part in a variety of vocational activities to prepare them for the world of work; such as practical horticulture, and vocational studies, which can cover; sport and fitness.

In addition, the Pathway helps students to improve English, maths, ICT, personal and social skills. Furthermore, students are supported to develop their confidence and independence and are able to take part in a range of enrichment activities.

To find out more!

Telephone: Admissions - 01691 779225

Email: admissions@derwen.ac.uk

Address: Derwen College Walford, Walford, Baschurch, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 2HL

Derwen College Telford

Derwen College Telford is a small site offering day placements for young adults aged between 16 and 25 with learning difficulties, disabilities and challenging needs, who live in or around Telford and Shropshire.

Students at Derwen College Telford can gain qualifications from Entry Level, to Level 2 in one of the following: Business Support; Sales and Marketing; or Hospitality. Students also have the opportunity to be able to access work experience placements in the local community.

Bespoke timetables are tailored to each student’s needs and aspirations.

Students can expect to take part in a variety of vocational activities to prepare them for the world of work, such as printing, copying, office administration, design and hospitality.

In addition, the Pathway helps students to improve English, maths, ICT, personal and social skills. Furthermore, students are supported to develop your confidence and independence and be able to take part in a range of enrichment activities.

To find out more!

Telephone: Admissions - 01691 661234

Email: admissions@derwen.ac.uk

Address: Derwen College Telford, Stafford Park 7, Telford, TF3 3BQ

Short Breaks at Derwen 

Short Breaks at Derwen offer young adults with learning difficulties and disabilities aged 18+ the opportunity to enjoy a break at Derwen. 

Visitors can take part in a range of activities and trips, as well as making use of the campus facilities. Holidays can be a great opportunity to relax with friends, meet new people and explore local attractions. 

Visitors will stay in bright, modern residences with single en-suite rooms and will have full use of a communal kitchen and lounge with TV and Wi-Fi. Meals are bespoke to individual preferences and needs. 

Experienced care staff are on hand to provide support when required and ensure that visitors get the most out of their holiday. 

Visitors can choose from a range of daily activities, which may include: basketball; use of the gym; football; day trips to the beach, theme parks and local attractions; shopping; cooking; bowling; and visits to the cinema. 

Short Breaks are available year-round apart from two weeks closure at Christmas. 

Find out more!

Telephone: 01691 661234

Email: shortbreaks@derwen.ac.uk

Address: Short Breaks Residence, Agnes Hunt Village, Derwen College, Gobowen, Nr Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 3NB