Ashdale House

General information

Our aim at Derwen College is to nurture, develop and challenge the young people who come to us; to equip them with the skills they need for employment and to live as independently as possible.

The college's specialism is to teach through vocational programmes that promote employability through direct experiences in work, rather than merely training for work. By providing services to members of the public, all students have opportunities to learn skills for the world beyond college. The whole learning experience is planned to prepare our students to live as independently as possible in the wider community. Derwen College is a vibrant and forward-looking college committed to promoting, through personalised learning, the vocational, educational, personal and social development of young people with a wide range of learning difficulties and disabilities.

Robust safeguarding procedures are in place, providing a challenging but safe environment to live and learn. The aim is to ensure that the balance of risk against achieving progression remains central to the work of the college, teaching students to become less vulnerable, more skilled and increasingly independent within the community.

The quality of teaching and learning is of paramount importance. Our teachers have a vast knowledge of their subject areas and many have had considerable experience working in industry. Staff working in supporting roles are also dedicated to helping our students achieve their goals. They bring together a curriculum that aims to enable students to achieve their full potential educationally, vocationally and socially. The goal is independence.

Derwen College aims to be an organisation that prides itself on equality of opportunity, valuing diversity in all aspects of its services. The college believes that all forms of prejudice and discrimination are unacceptable and promote equality and diversity, both on campus and in the curriculum.

Our high standards have helped to establish Derwen College as one of the leading specialist colleges in the country, recognised as ‘Outstanding’ by Oftsed and awarded Beacon Status. The Care Quality Commission in their annual service review recognised Derwen College to be "providing an excellent service."

We are proud of our students’ achievements and know that when they leave us as confident and well rounded adults they will be equipped with skills necessary to move forward with their dreams and aspirations.