choices

What can I do at specialist colleges?

Specialist Colleges

You may be unable to attend a local college even with extra help because you may need:

• 1 to 1 support
• Specialist counselling
• Medical support or health related therapy
• Extra time and help to put skills learned during the day into practice

A Specialist college may be an option for you

Courses last 3 years. They offer:

• A place to live with extra help and support at all times
• Life and leisure programmes
• Vocational and academic courses
• Work experience
• The opportunity to study for qualifications, e.g. BTEC, A’ Levels and City & Guilds

Things you should know and how to apply

You will need to show that you require specialist provision and that local colleges cannot meet your needs. You may live at the residential college or go there as a day student. Colleges produce prospectuses and videos, which you can get directly from them. Many also have a website. You and your family should visit the colleges you are interested in at least 18 months before the course starts. You may have a full assessment visit lasting between 1 and 5 days. The college decide if they will offer a place. If you are offered a place your Personal Adviser will apply to the Learning and Skills Council North East (LSC) for funding. A placement meeting will be arranged to discuss this option. You and your family will have the opportunity to attend. You will be informed by LSC North East approximately one week after the meeting whether funding has been agreed.

For a list of residential colleges where Northumberland students are currently placed click here

What happens after Specialist College?

You may move onto:

• Independent Supported Accommodation – back in the North East or in your own home near to the college where you have made friends and contacts.
• Local college courses - mainstream or special needs courses, full or part time
• Employment, sheltered/supported employment or Social Services Day Care Provision.

Tell your Personal Adviser if you want to go to specialist college as early as possible because some colleges are full a year in advance.