Heart of Birmingham Vocational College

About the students

As a specialist post-16 institution HBVC offer a wide range of specialist provisions and interventions to cater for the needs of the students. We have a unique approach to the delivery of such provisions with a strong emphasis on empowering students to work towards their aspirations. HBVC provide meaningful and purposeful opportunities with a holistic approach to learning. We provide hands-on experiences in a secure, risk-enabling environment which is highly motivating and engaging. We promote life-long learning and challenge students to actively participate and take ownership of their learning. We offer well-planned personalised and bespoke study programmes to support students to reach full potential as individual and make a positive contribution to society, by being an active member of their local community.

Catchment

We are a regional provider, accepting learners from across the West Midlands region.

Curriculum

Our curriculum progressively develops skills required by employers to allow students to build towards the goal of paid employment in areas of their individual strengths. These skills are developed vocationally, linking to functional numeracy, literacy and ICT for the modern world of work.

A phased approach, over three years, builds in work placement and paid work opportunities across a variety of employment providers. 

The curriculum offer develops the essential communication, social and life skills needed to develop independence and supported living and is completely individualised for each learner.

Employment

Explore careers and develop employability skills and resilience to become a good employee/volunteer

Personal Development

Understand the importance of mental, physical and sexual health to be able to live a healthy, safe and fulfilling life

Independent Living Skills

Learn as many life skills as possible through real life situations and experiences

Community

Identify that everyone has a place in the local and wider community

Maths and English

Recognise the importance of Functional Skills in the wider world and that this knowledge can be used throughout their lives in a range of different contexts.

Specialist facilities

HBVC introduced a ‘Hub and Spoke’ model over the last 2 years. Our Bromford campus is the main base also known as our ‘Hub’ and other provisions across the Midlands are known as our ‘Spokes’. This model effectively utilises community resources and offers high quality, authentic learning and working environments for students, as well as building strong partnerships within the community.

For the past two years Heart of Birmingham Vocational College has been running a highly successful sports programme based at Redditch Football Club. The programme is now expanding and offers a full study programme and supported internship that provides individualised learning experiences, developing key employability and supported living skills. Rachel Maclean MP, who previously founded an education and training charity said 'It is great to see this supported study and internship programme expanding in Redditch. Young people with learning disabilities can face considerable challenges to secure education and jobs. By collaborating with Redditch Football Club, promoting the community links, working with business, the college has developed a programme that can really transform a young learner's life, build self-esteem, and help them become independent adults.' 

Outdoor and community experiences are highly valued and well-established within the curriculum offer; they provide a pivotal vehicle for learning for many of our students. HS2 are currently supporting a project at the Hub to further develop the outdoor space, and our Spoke sites at Redditch United Football Club, The Edgbaston Priory Club, and The Dolphin Centre provide crucial outdoor and community learning environments, as well as our allotment plot. Previously, we have had links with the Wildlife Trust and Neighbourhood Network Scheme, and are now working with Botanical Gardens, Pocket Parks, and Birmingham Settlement to name a few.

The HBVC Football Team played a big part in establishing the Birmingham County Football Association’s first ever pan-disability education league festival day in 2023. HBVC won the league! We are always seeking new opportunities and sponsorship to support the team and continue to improve outcomes for students and the wider community.

Other information