LINK19 College

LINK19 College is a specialist Post 16 institution providing individualised programmes supporting a range of learners who have an education, health and care plan (EHCP), aged 19-25 whose statutory education has been within a SEN setting. The individual programmes develop employability and life skills working towards independence in society.

LINK19 College offers full time programmes for learners who have special educational needs and or disabilities including learning disabilities, communication and interaction difficulties (C&I) associated with conditions such as an autistic spectrum condition (ASC). Learners are likely to require a significant but flexible level of support, individually or in small groups, to meet their assessed needs.

We accept learners from a wide catchment area including but not limited to the Kent, Medway and London local authorities.

Learners individual programmes will combine class based lessons with supported work experience provided by external partners. In most cases a timetable will incorporate three days classroom activities and two days work experience. Our supported work experience programme aims to teach transferable skills to learners so they can achieve sustainable employment. Learners will have identified learning goals, interests and aspirations, linked to their EHCP outcomes, giving opportunities to experience the world of work, travel training, develop independent living skills and to understand how to make life choices. It is not envisaged that learners will remain in LINK19 College until they are 25.  The aim is to provide support to all learners on their journey towards employability and independent living.

The LINK Centre is a stand-alone building, within the grounds of a further education college, accommodating both a sixth form provision and LINK19 College learners.  As well as a reception, classrooms and an intervention room, it has a medical room, life skills flat and kitchen, a mindfulness room, and a LINK cafe and shop run by LINK19 learners supported by onsite staff. Shared facilities within the North Kent College grounds include access to the library and refectory. The college is a short distance from Gravesend town centre.