Queen Alexandra College

Queen Alexandra College is a national day and residential College situated in Birmingham for people aged 16-25.

Part of Queen Alexandra Charity, the College has been at its current location since 1903 and offers an innovative and holistic approach to learning and support for young adults with a diverse range of abilities and needs including visual impairment, autism, moderate to severe learning disabilities and physical disabilities.

The College has a great mix of students who come to us from Birmingham, the wider West Midlands and all over the country which adds to the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere of QAC.

During their time at College, students have access to an extensive range of therapeutic and support services delivered by a team of specialists including Speech and Language Therapists, Educational and Clinical Psychologists, Counsellors, Mentors, a Visual Impairment Training Officer, Assistive Technology Specialist, Occupational Therapist, Rehabilitation and Travel Trainers and Healthcare Professionals including a Physiotherapist.

Whatever a learner’s level of independence, socialising, having fun and building friendships is a big part of life at QAC.

We are a national provider, accepting learners from across England and Wales. 

At QAC learning is planned around an individual’s needs, interests and ambitions. Our curriculum is designed to maximise adult life opportunities, develop independence and work skills. English, Maths Employment Skills and PSHE are embedded across all areas of study.   

Our Preparation for Life (PFL) programme is very popular and provides students with an opportunity to develop the skills required to participate within a person’s community and, where possible, the workplace. This programme is designed for students who are working at Pre-Entry to Entry level and offers a great deal of variety. 

The LEAP programme (Learning, Employment and Progression) is a stepping stone for students from PFL into a more work focused environment. A Supported Internship study programme could also be considered which involves spending the majority of time with an employer in a real job role.

A range of vocational qualifications to Level 3 can also be accessed. Subject areas include Art and Design, Creative Media, Health and Social Care, IT, Performing Arts and Sport.

For those requiring a phased transition back into education following previous difficult experiences, our Access to Pathways programme provides bespoke specialist support initially away from campus.

Enrichment programmes enhance the curriculum and help develop self-esteem, confidence and independence. Our residential curriculum develops essential skills for personal development such as independent living and social skills.

Preparing students for their next steps away from College is essential. QAC uses an external party to offer impartial information, advice and guidance. We hold careers weeks, transition out events and our dedicated transitions team work with our curriculum department and families to support students moving on to make positive plans based around their needs and aspirations. 

The College is well-resourced with its own fitness centre, library, excellent ICT facilities, performing arts studio, a vibrant catering area, onsite travel training area, sensory room and healthcare centre, playing fields and a state-of-the-art sports hall featuring an indoor climbing wall. This facility enables accessible sports to be played by students and the wider community. In addition, some students can also participate and experience fully inclusive sports through strong external links developed with external providers.

As QAC has grown, we now have new educational and learning sites in addition to our main campus including Pinewood Campus which is dedicated to employment progression. 

In addition to providing specialist education, Queen Alexandra Charity offers a comprehensive range of services that empowers young adults with learning difficulties, disabilities and visual impairment to achieve their ambitions and lead fulfilling lives.

Residential Services

Students studying at QAC may wish to consider joining us as a residential student. Part time, full time (term time only) and respite options are available to enable students to develop their independent living and social skills.

Following their time at QAC some students choose to move onto our ‘Independence Plus’ Supported Living programme. Clients on the Independence Plus programme still need support and the aim is to deliver a service that provides clients with the means to live independently/semi independently into the future. Many clients are in education, voluntary work or paid employment not linked to QAC directly. Funding is usually provided through a Direct Payment Personal Budget in conjunction with housing benefit for accommodation.             

Community Services

Queen Alexandra Community Services offers a range of services for people with disabilities in the community. These include support services to enable people to access community activities including a PA/support worker service, social and/or peer groups delivered from our Community Services Hub and leisure activities. We work with clients to find out what support is needed to lead the life that they want to live and help to build the skills needed for the life they want in the future. 

Enterprises

QAC Enterprises Ltd consists of a wide range of businesses that support the work of the Queen Alexandra Charity. All profits are paid into the charity and help to enhance the experience for our students and clients.

They include: 

All Formats Transcription Services 

All Formats is one of the leading braille, large print and audio producers, providing commercial specialist accessible print services. 

Carbon Fibre Canes

QAC is the UK distributor of Revolution Advantage Carbon Fibre Canes which can be purchased over the phone. 

Sight Village

We are also the organisers of Sight Village; the premier event for blind and partially sighted people, bringing together leading providers of products and services all under one roof. Sight Village will tour a number of locations across the UK during the year.