Scotland’s first dedicated college for school leavers with complex needs is set to open its doors in September.
Corseford College will welcome 15 young people who will become its first intake of students.
Based within the recently refurbished Corseford School campus, near Johnstone, it will offer further education day placements for 18-25-year-olds whose needs can’t be met in mainstream colleges.
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Previously, young Scots with complex needs had to move to England for specialist further education, with 51 crossing the border in the past five years.
It is being launched and operated by charity, Capability Scotland which has already invested £250,000 into the project – with a further £316,000 now pledged by the Scottish Government for the first-year of delivery.
Brian Logan, Chief Executive of Capability Scotland, 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.”
Courses will focus on literacy, numeracy and tech skills, as well as communication and interpersonal skills and health and wellbeing. The curriculum plans to deliver creative experiences, physical development and independence skills including shopping and cooking.
Thanks to the £250,000 refurbishment, those on the roll-call will be able to enjoy time at the student bistro, sensory suites, a specialist pool, rebound therapy using full-sized trampolines and outdoor learning spaces, including horticultural polytunnels for all-weather gardening.
Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Higher Education and Further Education, Youth Employment and Training, 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 of Corseford College every success as they start in September, and I look forward to hearing more about their learner journeys.”
Mr Logan added: “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.
“An essential part of any college experience is participating in social, leisure, community and citizenship activities. Corseford will be no different. Our young people will have the best possible chance to develop meaningful relationships with other students and with staff.”
Ahead of opening, the college is looking to recruit lecturer staff, tutors alongside care and support staff.
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