National Star College

About the students

National Star are specialists working with young students with disabilities and learning difficulties, enabling them to achieve their aspirations in life. We are proud of our diverse student community, who are not defined by their disability and whose independence is championed whatever their support needs. We offer personalised programmes for both residential and day learners at our campus in Gloucestershire and day colleges at our sites in Hereford and Wales. From day one, we begin to prepare students for life after college and have a dedicated transition support team who collaborate with our multi-disciplinary teams and extend support to families and carers.

Recently we have embarked on a collaboration with The Heart of Worcestershire College to deliver specialist education from its campus in Worcester.

We also deliver high quality services, such as specialist therapies, long-term accommodation, respite and short breaks.

Our priority is to enable the young person to achieve their goals and enjoy being a student learning at National Star.

The college meets the learning and development needs of young people with a range learning difficulties including Severe/Profound Multiple Learning Difficulties, profound intellectual multiple difficulties. Our specialists also support students with significant physical, medical, sensory processing, communication needs and neurodiversity. e.g. autism.

This is achieved through personalised learning programmes, incorporating therapy (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Arts Therapy) and life skills, delivered at the level most appropriate to the student.

Catchment

National Star is a national provider of learning programmes for young people across the UK.  In addition, we offer day provision for local students in Gloucestershire, Hereford, Worcester and Wales.

We also offer:

• A variety of work-based learning programmes programmes in Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and London.

Curriculum

• National Star College provides specialised, innovative and engaging personalised learning programmes across our range of sites. Young people can follow one of our five learning pathways that focus on preparation for adulthood and learning the skills for the next stage of their life. These pathways equip our learners to meet their aspirations of: engaging more with people and the world around them, becoming active citizens, making a positive contribution in their communities, developing skills and awareness of the world of work or gaining paid or voluntary employment.   
• English, Maths, Digital Technology, Relationship and Sex Education, Prevent and Sustainability are included within all pathways and differentiated to meet the needs of the students in each programme.
• Progress in learning and attainment is assessed, recognised and recorded for all students in line with their EHCP outcomes and personalised goals and targets. Accredited achievement reflects the overall progress made during the length of a student's pathway and ranges between Entry Level 1 and Level 2. We also deliver GCSE programmes in English and maths.  
• Developing the life skills for a meaningful and fulfilling life is a core element of the curriculum irrespective of the pathway of study. Opportunities to develop practical skills in a range of environments may include working with a therapist to develop communication skills in the supermarket or learning to cook a healthy, evening meal.
• Enrichment and supporting student's personal interests is also central to their personal development and time at National Star. For example, we offer students the opportunity to participate in The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, arts-based projects and even our annual international ski experience. 
• Listening to the voices of students drives the continued development of our curriculum and college offer. We have an active Student Union and student reps exploring issues that matter to them.

Specialist facilities

• In Ullenwood our fantastic facilities include specific art and ceramic classrooms (including kiln), dance studio (including aerial rig), theatre, sports hall, specialist fitness suites (indoor and outdoor), fully accessible kitchen, swimming pool, rebound therapy and aquatic therapy pool. Our 40-acre site, which includes an orchard, woodland, accessible trails, polytunnel and allotments, maximises student learning and experience.  
• For students accessing work outcomes or work-based learning pathways internal placements are available at StarBistro, StarPrint, StarShop, StarMart and Customer Services, making the work experience very real. There are also opportunities for external work placements based on students' long-term career aspirations.
• In Hereford, the Eveson Centre has been recently redeveloped to include additional learning space, a fully equipped and accessible life skills kitchen, personal care rooms, sensory spaces and a break out space for students to relax and socialise. Students regularly transfer their learning into community settings. For example, work placements throughout the community including National Star's charity shop in the city centre. Students also have access to a popular Forest School and a working farm where they can continue to develop their skills and interests in an outdoor setting.

Other information

We offer private therapy packages at Ullenwood to alumni and other members of the local community. This may include Aquatic Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy, Emotional Wellbeing Service and Arts Therapy.

National Star community learning including swimming, fitness, cooking, arts and ceramics at Ullenwood

We also offer various training opportunities and courses for professionals.

Private hire of our meeting and conference facilities and our sports and leisure facilities