Thornbeck College - North East Autism Society

About the students

Thornbeck College is an Independent Specialist College that offers personalised learning programmes for learners with autism and neurodiversity, including varying levels of behaviours of concern.  The College offers day placements.  Learners follow programmes that promote their social and economic inclusion.  The College has extensive links with employers to provide meaningful work experience and supported internships.  Flexible start dates are available throughout the year.

Catchment

North East 

Curriculum

Outcomes for learners focus on increasing their social and economic inclusion. The College offers a responsive and flexible curriculum which allows learning to be personalised within a broad and diverse learning offer.  The College believes that what a learner aspires to do after further education informs what they learn within their FE programme.  The curriculum continues to prepare learners for life and work in a multicultural society.   English and mathematics is contextualised and embedded within meaningful activities to promote confidence and independence.  The college has a range of innovative social enterprises such as bespoke wedding invitations, confectionary and a community based shop.

Specialist facilities

A range of vocational workshops including; car maintenance, woodwork, textiles, hairdressing salon.  Access to occupational therapy and physiotherapy.  Extensive community links with employers and housing associations that support transition and preparation for adulthood.  Links with local GFE Colleges and third sector providers. 

Highly effective Positive and Proactive Support (PPS) that is accredited by BILD. In-house PPS trainers and functional behaviour analysis to support learners to develop self-regulation strategies and minimise behaviour of concern.

Other information