Derwen College is coming to Ludlow from 1 November, when they relocate the South Shropshire provision from the current building in Craven Arms.  The new location is at Ludlow’s Eco Business Park, the new provision will offer courses to young people with SEND. Places are for day students, who will learn work and independent living skills, providing them with a toolkit for future employment.

The new building offers a more spacious and accessible environment for Business students. The Eco Business Park’s excellent transport links will mean easier access for more students from across south Shropshire and surrounding areas, including Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Powys.

Students, aged 16 to 25 with learning difficulties, disabilities or autism, will be able to follow a Business Support & Enterprise pathway, which will equip them for employment in business, enterprise or retail after college. Working in small groups, with bespoke timetabling, students learn valuable skills that transfer easily into the workplace.

As students progress through the pathway, they have the opportunity to access varied external work placements with organisations that may include administration, customer services and social care.

Alongside work-based learning, students can take part in enrichment activities, such as:

• Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
• Arts and crafts
• Food preparation, cooking, budgeting and house-keeping duties
• Digital media
• Community access
• Sports.

Peter Leddington, Derwen College Area Satellite Manager, said: “We have been looking for a while to strengthen our south Shropshire provision, in terms of accessibility of the building, student catchment area and meeting a need for SEND provision in the south of the county. We are all very excited about the move and the opportunities that this will bring for our current and future learners.”