Description

Derwen College delivers exceptional programmes within a rich learning environment. Students who attend Derwen are aged from 16 to 25 years and have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) including:

  • learning and physical disabilities
  • autism
  • behaviours of concern
  • moderate, severe, complex or profound and multiple learning disabilities

We offer residential placements at our main campus in Gobowen, near Oswestry in North Shropshire, and also have day placements at Gobowen, Ludlow, Telford and Walford.

Learning Programmes at Derwen include:

  • Vocational Study Programmes, which are delivered through our Learning Pathways at each of our four sites.
  • Learning for Life, which is a fun bespoke programme available for those students who need a bit of extra support before progressing on to a vocational pathway.
  • Nurture is our programme for students with complex and / or profound and multiple learning disabilities and is available at our Gobowen site.
  • Springboard is a non-educational route that gives further access to work experience opportunities and support to improve independence skills.
  • Supported Internships are available for anyone living locally who have completed a vocational study programme.

Vocational pathways:

Depending on the location, we have the following vocational pathways available.

  • Hospitality and Food
  • Horticulture
  • Performing Arts
  • Retail and Enterprise
  • Work and Independence

These have been developed to prepare students for the work place. Our accessible learning environments are designed and operated to industry standards. Students gain authentic work experience in our public-facing commercial outlets, including: garden centre and gift shop; Walled Garden Café; Station Café; The Vintage Advantage charity shop; The Orangery restaurant; and our very own hotel!

We are also proud to offer our students a well-established network of high-quality employer partners in the wider community. We work closely with each of them to provide tailored and relevant work placements.

Students are encouraged to choose one main and one secondary pathway, but they don't have to. We work with every student to build a programme bespoke to them that fits their needs and interests. Come and talk to us about what would suit you.

Derwen College also offers Short Breaks holiday provision for young adults aged 18 upwards to enjoy a break. Guests can take part in a range of activities and trips, as well as making use of the campus facilities. Short breaks are available year round apart from two weeks closure at Christmas. Find out more here.

Learner voice is very strong and student views influence everything we do. Read more.

Each timetable will include opportunities to join in with sports and/or leisure activities depending on what students like to do. Read more about student life.

An extensive range of therapies and wellbeing support is available. Read more.

Visit www.derwen.ac.uk to see our virtual tour and begin the Derwen College journey!

Telephone

01691 661234

Email address
Website
Address

Derwen College, Whittington Road, Gobowen, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 3JA

Map
Venue notes

When visiting Derwen College's main campus in Gobowen use entrance C on Whittington Road to register at main reception.

Derwen College's main campus is located in a village setting in Gobowen, near Oswestry, Shropshire, with satellite sites in TelfordWalford, and Ludlow.

Date and time

Derwen College operates termly, over 37 weeks of a year, offering day and residential placements.

Cost description

Please contact Derwen College directly to find out more about costings for placements.

Referral notes

Derwen College accepts referrals direct from a young person, their parent or carer, or via supporting professionals.

Applications are welcomed from young people across the United Kingdom. Please complete an admissions enquiry form. Links can be found here. Please return completed forms to admissions@derwen.ac.uk

Age range

16 to 25 years