Henshaws Specialist College

Henshaws Specialist College is the only specialist Further Education College in North Yorkshire that offers both day and residential programmes up to 365 days per year at our beautiful campus located on the outskirts of the historical spa town of Harrogate. We deliver transformational and sustainable life changing experiences and learning through bespoke education, care, therapy and clinical programmes for young people ages 18 to 25 with special education needs and disabilities. We also offer innovative transitional programmes up to the age of 30 following a students time with us at College.

Henshaws Specialist College is a national provider opened to residential students from across the United Kingdom, providing day placements to students from Yorkshire and surrounding areas. 

Our Core Purpose is to maximise our students' opportunities by building confidence, developing independence and supporting achievement. Our highly individualised curriculum is built around education, life skills and employability skills, preparing students to live in a modern Britain.  We offer study programmes from Pre-entry to Level 1. Each programme supports students to achieve and exceed targets set in Education, Health and Care plans and to meet their aspirations after College.

Educational provision is strengthened by a range of support services and embedded therapies, which include Physiotherapy, Hydrotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Visual Impairment Specialist Support, Positive Behaviour support service, and Speech and Language Therapy including Assistive Technology. 

Students implement their independence and communication skills through the waking day curriculum and transfer them either to our own residential setting or to their home environment, where carers can see the impact of their learning. We support our students to develop their skills through vocational learning both on and off campus and through supported work experience. We take learning outside of the campus through Community Inclusion sessions, taking part in local events, working towards Duke of Edinburgh awards as well as the National Citizenship Service scheme, with the intent to increase their community participation. 

Henshaws College also works with our students, families and carers, when appropriate, to support the transition out of college and into their chosen future when they graduate.  Our innovative Next Steps provision works in partnership with amenities and provisions near to home to ensure our students continue with their independence and skills gained at college when they return home or move into more independent living.  Our skills transfer programme helps to prepare students and family for life after Henshaws to ensure a smooth and fully supported start to the next stage – whatever that may be. 

We continue to invest in our facilities to create a safe and accessible environment to enable our students to develop transferable skills.

Our modern facilities include:

• 41 single study bedrooms with en-suite facilities
• Swimming and hydrotherapy pools with gantry hoists and ramp access
• Accessible gym with anaerobic and aerobic equipment
• Multi games sports hall
• Assisted changing rooms
• Multi-sensory and digital switch room
• Fully accessible assistive technology kitchens
• Mobility training area

Specialist therapy, education and sensory support services, including assistive technologies are integral to maximising our students' progress.

Our Health Care team, led by a registered nurse, will ensure any clinical and therapy needs students have are met so they can enjoy their education.  We will support students to access services that will promote health and wellbeing.

We also offer residential respite, social care options and short breaks.