ROC College

ROC College is an independent specialist college which provides specialist Post-16 SEND provision across Cornwall and Devon for young people aged 16–25 with an EHCP. Learning is personalised and delivered 1:1 through community-based learning hubs rather than a traditional college environment.

The college supports young people with a range of needs, including learning disabilities, autism, physical and sensory disabilities, complex health needs and SEMH. It may also suit young people who have struggled in traditional education or have been out of education for some time.

Each learner follows an individual programme based around their needs, interests, goals and EHCP outcomes, with pathways including further education, independent living, employment and supported internships.

Qualifications

Young people can work towards OCN London and City & Guilds qualifications from Entry Level 1 to Level 2, including English and Maths, employability and independent living skills. Work experience, volunteering and supported employment opportunities are also available.

In Cornwall, opportunities include Boscawen Farm in Truro, with activities such as animal care, farming, gardening, cooking and woodwork.

ROC College also has a Student Wellbeing Team providing regular or one-off wellbeing support, with access to counselling and other therapeutic support where appropriate. The team can also support transition, attendance and EHCP reviews.

An EHCP is required. Families can contact ROC College directly to discuss whether it may be suitable, although formal referrals are made through the young person’s Local Authority/SEN caseworker.

ROC College operates from community-based learning locations across Cornwall, with the most appropriate location discussed according to the individual learner’s needs and programme.

Learning Pathways

ROC College offers five pathways depending on the young person’s needs, aspirations and planned destination: Next Steps, Lifelong Learning, Preparing for Further Education, Employment and Supported Internships. Programmes can range from developing independence and life skills through to preparing for mainstream college, further training or employment.

For young people who are not yet ready to move directly into mainstream college, the Preparing for Further Education pathway provides a transitional year to build confidence, independence and academic readiness. Those working towards employment can access work experience, job clubs and internships, with support from Job Coaches and Mentors.

Support

ROC College offers highly individualised programmes which can include 1:1 learning, small-group learning, bespoke curricula, wellbeing and therapeutic support, job coaching and Supported Internships, according to the learner’s individual needs and outcomes.

May be suitable for

Young people who need to re-engage with education, are looking for an alternative to mainstream college or need a smaller, more supportive environment. ROC offers a flexible, person-centred approach and can support preparation for semi-independent living, employment or further training within a therapeutic and nurturing educational setting.

Route to access college and courses

Families can contact ROC College’s referrals team directly for an informal discussion and to arrange an initial meeting. This can take place at home, at a ROC learning hub or somewhere the young person feels comfortable. Students must be aged 16–25 and have an EHCP. Formal referrals are made through the young person’s Local Authority and SEN caseworker; ROC College also accepts referrals through Careers South West.