New Special Educational Needs and Disabilities college opening in Sutton

A new college for 16-25 year olds with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is on track to open in Sutton this October.

Orchard Hill College, an Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ specialist college, will provide 72 places  for young people with SEND at the Council’s Sutton Life Centre. The college will help students to get the skills, qualifications and work experience for future employment. The Sutton Life Centre will also host Orchard Hill College's Teacher Training qualification. 

As well as hosting the college, the Council is set to open a Preparation for Adulthood Hub at the Life Centre by the end of 2025. The hub will help young people with SEND transition into adulthood. Working with Advocacy for All and young people with SEND, the Council also surveyed parents to ensure the Preparation for Adulthood Hub provides the needed activities, information, and supports employment.

Alongside keeping the community library and sports facilities, the Council is also looking for applications from businesses to help run a cafe that will be accessible to everyone and will offer work experience to young people with SEND.

Councillor Marian James, Lead member for Adults and Children said; “I am so pleased we are able to use and develop the Sutton Life Centre to provide more college places and a dedicated space for young people with SEND. This initiative as well as the new Carew Academy purpose-built school and expansion of Sherwood Park School align with the Council’s ambition to create an inclusive borough for all.”

Kelly Phillips, Executive Principal from Orchard Hill College said; “We are delighted to announce our expansion into Sutton Life Centre, where we will offer innovative courses that are designed to equip young people with essential skills for independent living and employment. The building has been designed to offer an ambitious curriculum to ensure our students leave college ready to achieve life-changing outcomes. Our partnership with Sutton will also establish a dynamic 'Preparation for Adulthood' hub, providing invaluable information, advice, and opportunities for young people, parents, carers, and professionals outside of college hours”.

These changes to the Sutton Life Centre are part of the Council’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Alternative Provision Strategy 24-27.