The Activate Learning college group is taking the lead in helping high-needs learners to succeed during their time in further education and long after they have left.

High-needs learner retention rates at the college for the 2017-18 academic year stood at an impressive 97.6 per cent, up 3.5 percentage points from the previous year. It works with high-needs, home-educated children from the age of 14 to help prepare them for the transition to college, which, for many, can be an overwhelming experience.

Small-group classroom visits take place throughout the year for new learners and those moving on to the next tier. Individual plans are prepared for learners who do not yet feel ready to access a large college campus.

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All high-needs learners take up work placements. The college group has a sustained record of getting students with learning difficulties and disabilities into work by focusing on “job carving” - redesigning an existing job around the needs of an individual employee - and working with more than 200 employers to provide opportunities for learners.

These supported-employment initiatives enable learners to make their own choices, to participate in society and make a positive contribution.

The Beacon assessors said the college’s “excellent collaborative approach evidences clear partnership working with the local authority and other community organisations”. They added: “There is an exceptional range of opportunities which broaden learners’ opportunities and improve their life chances. We were impressed by the exceptional learner voice systems to solve challenges through learning.”