Special Educational Needs (SEN).

As a fully inclusive college, we pride ourselves on offering the very best quality of education to our whole community, which includes those with learning difficulties, physical and sensory disabilities, social emotional and mental health difficulties and those with a specific learning difficulty.

Part of our offer includes Project Choice, an award-winning programme which gives young people with learning difficulties and disabilities the employment edge and the skills and experience needed to get into work or to live as independently as possible.

We focus on supporting these young people to develop the skills and confidence to become more independent and prepare for the next stages of life, whether that’s further study, work or volunteering.

We know that coming to college can be a big step particularly for those coming from a specialist provision and those who have been out of education.

That’s why we’ll design your learning around the needs of the young person and those shown in your Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) if you have one. Supported by our experienced and dedicated team. They will work towards personal goals in a safe, secure and supportive environment.

All courses are one year and progression is dependent on attendance, engagement and effort.

Pathways

Our pathways are designed to provide a personalised learning programme.

Who’s it for?

This course is 4 days per week and it is focused on preparing you for adulthood offering you the opportunity to develop a range of skills that will allow you to live as independently as possible and achieve your aspirations.

You’ll be provided with a practical, engaging and enjoyable programme of learning including:

  • Community access projects
  • Developing life skills
  • Communication skills development
  • Enrichment activities

Who’s it for?

This course runs 4 days a week and is focused on preparing you for progression to mainstream provision or employment.

This course will give you the opportunity to develop a range of vocational skills, maths and English qualifications and work experience to progress to the next level of study in the vocational area of your choice or on the employability pathway.

You will be provided with a practical, engaging and enjoyable programme of learning including:

  • Community access projects
  • Enrichment activities
  • Confidence building
  • Study skills

Who’s it for?

This course runs 4 days a week and is focused on preparing you for progression to employment and to help you achieve your aspirations in the workplace.

The first year of this course will prepare you for the world of work and explore employability skills. This year will also give staff the opportunity to assess your ability to progress onto the Supported Internship in year 2.

You will be provided with a practical, engaging, and an enjoyable programme of learning including:

  • Travel training
  • Enterprise activities
  • Exploring careers and the world of work
  • Developing all round skills to access and sustain employment

This course is focused on work experience and becoming employment ready. As part of this you will:

  • Complete 2 or 3 days a week work placement
  • Spend 2 days in college.

This is our highest and final pathway of Project Choice. After this course you would be aiming to move into paid employment or an apprenticeship.

During the Supported Internship you will also be supported in developing skills through:

  • Work placement
  • Employability skills
  • CV writing
  • Interview techniques
  • Preparing for life after college.

Please note: To join our Supported Internship programme, you need to be able to travel independently, be prepared for an individual work placement and demonstrate good attendance and behaviour.

Meet Adam

“I love seeing the students thrive and change massively – going from being quiet and shy to coming out of their shell and growing their confidence during their work experience.”

Adam Teasdale, Teacher

Adam Teasdale
Adam Teasdale

Meet Ashley

“I like how Project Choice helps students get the same opportunities as everyone else, it brightens your day seeing the students develop, grow in confidence and go out on work placement to gain real world skills.”

Ashley McVay, Teacher

Ashley McVay
Ashley McVay

Meet Adam

“I love seeing the students thrive and change massively – going from being quiet and shy to coming out of their shell and growing their confidence during their work experience.”

Adam Teasdale, Teacher

Adam Teasdale
Adam Teasdale

Meet Ashley

“I like how Project Choice helps students get the same opportunities as everyone else, it brightens your day seeing the students develop, grow in confidence and go out on work placement to gain real world skills.”

Ashley McVay, Teacher

Ashley McVay
Ashley McVay

Upcoming events

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JOIN OUR SPORTS ACADEMIES

Eight specialist sport academies, all offering first class training, coaching and playing opportunities for everyone, regardless of what you study.

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Employment Edge.

We promise you a top quality education with real world skills that will help you in life as well as in work. We call this education with employment edge.

Industry first.
Course content shaped with employers so you leave with the skills they need and the know how to hit the ground running.
Confidence & Qualifications.
Together we’ll build your character as well as your skills.
Education with you, not to you.
A personalised career plan just for you, from day one.
Quality learning spaces.
Multi million pound kit and equipment matching that found in industry.

School Leaver Course Guide 2026/2027

View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.

Gateshead College School leaver guide_26-27