At Cambian Wing College, learners are supported to achieve individual, realistic goals by building upon experiences and skills.

Our study programmes include a broad range of learning opportunities and work based learning experiences, that challenge and extend learners skills and knowledge. Based on each student’s ability and ambitions, these programmes are designed to include a broad range of academic and vocational learning opportunities, alongside work based learning, enrichment and tutorial. 

These include core skills, academic and vocational pathways range from Entry Level and Functional Skills to GCSEs and A-Levels, plus we offer personal development opportunities and a comprehensive work related learning and work experience programme. 

We recognise that students with additional needs may require support that is not ordinarily available. With this in mind, teaching groups are usually no larger than six students and support is provided by specialist education, care and therapy staff.  All environments are carefully designed to provide the best possible sensory environment to encourage engagement and learning.

We believe that our students are most successful when their education is supported by their whole family. We are committed to maintaining communication with parents/carers through Weekly Home Links, End of Term Reports, and quarterly and Annual Reviews.

➜  View the 2024/2025 Curriculum Offer here

➜  View exam policies and information for candidates here 

Community Inclusion for young people with Autism

An important aspect of our holistic curriculum is community inclusion – encouraging students to develop a wide range of interests and supporting them to access the wider community as a young adult. As part of the study programme, all students are included in an individualised programme of practical life skills within real-life supported living and community environments - these activities are proven to be highly effective in increasing young people’s confidence, self-esteem and employability skills.

Student Council

Our student council is a group of representatives from each tutor group dedicated to enhancing the college experience for all students. Through collaboration and active engagement, the council meets twice each half-term to bring students’ voices into the following areas:

• Coordinating college activities, trips, and special events.
• Raising concerns, recommending improvements to college policies, the college environment and addressing issues important to students.
• Selecting charities and organising fundraising initiatives to give back to our community.
• Launching initiatives like surveys, suggestion boxes, and open forums to ensure all students feel heard.

Participating in the student council offers valuable personal and community benefits:

• Members improve their communication, project management, and decision-making skills.
• Gain hands-on experience in budgeting, event planning and teamwork .
• Learn to address concerns thoughtfully and represent the student body’s diverse voices.
• Improve the college experience for themselves and others.

Social Hub 

The Social Hub is a weekly meet-up designed for both day and residential students, providing a welcoming space to socialise outside of college hours. Its aim is to help students create meaningful and enjoyable experiences. Activities are student-led, with suggestions coming from participants and facilitated by staff, ensuring a variety of on- and offsite options. Popular activities include bowling, quizzes, game nights and pool, which have become firm favourites among the group. These opportunities foster a sense of community, giving students opportunities to connect and engage in fun, interactive ways.

The Social Hub offers numerous benefits for students, both day and residential, by creating a supportive and engaging environment beyond regular college hours.

1. Building Friendships: By bringing together students from different backgrounds, it provides opportunities for new friendships and strengthens social bonds, reducing feelings of isolation.
2. Developing Social Skills: The range of group activities like quizzes, game nights, and bowling promotes teamwork, communication, and collaboration, helping students improve their social and interpersonal skills.
3. Encouraging Student Leadership: With students suggesting and shaping the activities, they are empowered to take initiative, enhancing their leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
4. Reducing Stress: By offering fun, relaxed activities, The Social Hub gives students a chance to unwind and take a break from academic pressures, contributing to better mental well-being.
5. Building a Sense of Community: These meet-ups help foster a sense of belonging, creating a connected and inclusive environment where students feel supported by their peers and staff.

The Social Hub provides a balanced mix of social interaction, personal growth, and relaxation, benefiting students both socially and emotionally.

Work Experience for young people with Autism

During their time at Cambian Wing College, our students are encouraged to participate in work-based learning, supported internships and work experience placements as part of their study programme. Students take the confidence gained and skills learnt from their placements and transfer them, along with employer references, to increase the opportunities available to them after they leave college. We have established strong links with local organisations and employers that support the college by providing community based learning, leisure, volunteering, social enterprise and work experience.

➜  Read more about the Career Support we offer here

Independence & Living Skills

All students at Cambian Wing College are supported to develop their independence while they are with us. Part of every study programme will focus on the core skills of self advocacy and independent living and we offer a wide range of support to develop students’ confidence in managing their own lives as they move into adulthood. Some of the ways we do this include:

• Student voice & student representatives

• Study skills

• Peer mentoring

• Independent shopping

• Money management & budgeting

• Travel training

• Independent cookery

• Personal care