Scotland’s first college to open for school-leavers with complex needs

Scotland’s first dedicated college for school-leavers with complex needs will open its doors in September after securing vital funding from the Scottish Government.

The charity, Capability Scotland, said the creation of Corseford College will be “transformational” for the lives of 15 young people who will be its first intake of students.

The college will offer bespoke learning for each of the 18-25-year-olds and the campus 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 and the Scottish Government has now pledged a further £316,000 for the first year of delivery.

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 to master literacy, numeracy and tech skills, as well as communication and interpersonal skills and health and wellbeing.

The curriculum will deliver creative experiences, physical development and independence skills including shopping and cooking.

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.”

A large number of specialist colleges operate in England and Wales, including 46 with a similar model to Corseford College.

However Capability Scotland said the lack of provision in Scotland has seen 51 young Scots with complex needs moving to England for specialist further education in the past five years.

Jamie Hepburn, Scotland’s 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.”

“We have been working for some time on the development of this