SCOTLAND'S first dedicated college for school leavers with complex needs will open in September after it secured vital funding from the Scottish Government.
The charity, Capability Scotland, said the creation of Corseford College will be “transformational” for the lives of the 15 young people who make up its first intake of students.
The college will offer bespoke learning for each of the 18-25 year olds on campus whilst it will also offer sensory suites, a specialist pool, rebound therapy using full-sized trampolines and outdoor learning spaces.
Capability Scotland has invested £250,000 into the project whilst the Scottish Government has now pledged a further £316,000 for the first year of delivery.
Chief executive of Capability Scotland Brian Logan said: “We have been working for some time on the development of this landmark college, but the strong support of the Scottish Government is a huge boost.
“We can now have a real sense of confidence about the future of this project and our hopes that it will continue to enhance the lives of young people with complex additional support needs for many years to come.
“Being able to offer those young people the chance to continue their education after they leave school is not just amazing for them, it is also incredibly important to their families and loved ones.
“We have had an outpouring of positivity from families at the news.”
The college will open in a newly refurbished wing of Capability Scotland’s existing Corseford School Campus, near Johnstone in Renfrewshire.
Courses will focus on helping learners with their literacy, numeracy and tech skills, as well as communication and interpersonal skills and health and wellbeing.
The curriculum will also deliver creative experiences, physical development and independence skills such as cooking and shopping.
Logan continued: “Our students will enjoy a rich and tailored college experience underpinned by the work of a dedicated care and support team.
“Crucially, our students will each develop skills to interact with the wider world. Helping them to make themselves heard and understood can empower them to live more independently.”
A large number of specialist colleges already operate in England and Wales, including 46 with a similar model to Corseford College.
However, Capability Scotland has said that the lack of provision for Scots has seen 51 young people with complex needs moving to England for further specialist education in the past five years.
Scotland’s Minister for Higher Education and Further Education, Youth Employment and Training Jamie Hepburn said: “Corseford College will help transform the way many young people with complex needs access education.
“I was delighted to work alongside partners at the Scottish Funding Council, West College Scotland and Capability Scotland for the funding of the pilot college model, which has made this specialist institution possible.
“I wish all of the students at Corseford College every success as they start in September, and I look forward to hearing more about their learner journeys.”
