Derwen College

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

Our main campus is in Gobowen, near Oswestry in North Shropshire, where we cater for both DAY and RESIDENTIAL students. We have a further three sites based around Shropshire for day students. These are located at:
 

• Walford (Baschurch)
• Telford
• Ludlow

Derwen College is a national provider. We welcome applications from young people all over the UK. 

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 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.

• In-house nursing services
• Residential living reflecting increasing independence
• Extensive sports and leisure programme. Student leisure facilities, ICT suite, wi-fi café, wellbeing clubs, trips
• Sports complex with swimming pool, fitness suite, multi-purpose sports hall and dedicated Duke of Edinburgh's Award base on campus
• In-house, integrated physio, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and counselling services
• Student Union Board
• Positive Behaviour Support
• Hydrotherapy Pool 
• Makaton Friendly

Derwen's Short Breaks Respite provision is for adults aged 18+ years. The residence is located in Gobowen, near Oswestry, Shropshire. 

Guests have their own room, with en-suite facilities and will have full use of a communal kitchen. Meals are bespoke to preferences and needs. Experienced care staff are on hand to support when required.