Sense College
Who is Sense College for?
We support a diverse group of learners aged 16-25. Students might have one or more of the following:
- Deafblindness/dual-sensory impairment/multi-sensory impairment;
- Single sensory impairment with additional needs;
- Complex communication needs;
- Complex needs, which may include learning disabilities, physical disabilities and/or autism.
Sense College learners must have an education, health and care plan (EHCP).
What is Sense College?
Sense College is a specialist further education college for young people aged 16-25 with special educational needs.
Your Sense College learning experience will be tailored to you.
Want to learn independent living skills like cooking or money management? Or study for educational qualifications? You’ll find the support you need to reach your personal goals at Sense College.
It is also an adult social care day service for over-18s. Our day services include a huge range of activities.
Where is Sense College?
Sense College has nine different locations.
Eight of these are in the East of England, East Midlands and West Midlands. Collectively, these locations are known as Sense College East.
The other location is Sense College Loughborough, in Leicestershire. This is a specialist college, previously known as the RNIB College Loughborough.
“Being at Sense College full time gives me confidence in what I do. I enjoy art because it’s therapeutic and hydrotherapy because it’s relaxing and great exercise. College makes me feel excited and exhilarated.”
Learner, Sense College Knapwell
What will I learn at Sense College?
Sense College gives you the skills you need to build the life you want to live.
You can have a look over the Sense College curriculum and see which pathway stands out to you. Or find out more about Sense College Loughborough and what they can offer.
Our policies and reports
Everything we do at Sense College is informed by our policies, procedures and guidance.
Sense College’s Ofsted rating
All of our colleges are inspected by Ofsted. See the latest Ofsted report for Sense College East and Sense College Loughborough.
We also have our own Sense Quality Framework to make sure that we’re supporting you in the best possible way.
Frequently asked questions about Sense College
What are the term dates for Sense College?
Please note the below term dates are for our education services only. If you’re looking for our day services term dates, please see What are the term dates for Sense College day services?
Summer term 2023
Term starts 17 April 2023
May Day closure 1 May 2023
Coronation of King Charles III closure 8th May 2023
Half term 29 May to 2 June 2023
Term ends (last day) 20 July 2023
Autumn term 2023
Term starts 4 September 2023
Half Term 23 October to 27 October 2023
Term ends (last day) 14 December 2023
Spring term 2024
Term starts 4 January 2024
Half term 12 February to 16 February 2024
Term ends (last day) 22 March 2024
Summer term 2024
Term starts 8 April 2024
May Day closure 6 May 2024
Half term 27 May to 31 May 2024
Term ends (last day) 19 July 2024
What is the curriculum at Sense College?
Our education services at Sense College East offer three different pathways: Learning for Life, Foundation Learning and Employability. Find out more about what you can learn at Sense College.
Sense College Loughborough has a different curriculum. Visit Sense College Loughborough for more information.
What day services does Sense College offer?
Sense College East offers adult day services at our eight locations around England. These are available for 45 weeks per year. We support you to build your confidence, life skills and friendships.
There’s a wide range of options, including:
- Arts and crafts
- Cookery
- Community access
- Dance, drama and music
- Life skills
- Gardening
- Rebound therapy
- Sensory room sessions
- Sensory stories
- Sports and leisure
To find out more about the services on offer in your area, find your nearest Sense College.
Who are Sense College day services for?
At Sense College, day services are for people aged 18 years and over who need specialist communication support. They might have sensory impairments, learning difficulties, and/or autism. Sense College day services also support people with physical disabilities, and people who need positive behavioural support.
If you’re not sure if Sense College’s day services are right for you, get in touch with our team.
What are the term dates for Sense College day services?
Please note the below term dates are for our day services only. If you’re looking for our education term dates, please see What are the term dates for Sense College?
Summer term 2023
Term starts 17 April 2023
May Day closure 1 May 2023
Coronation of King Charles III closure 8th May 2023
Half term 29 May to 30 May 2023
Term ends (last day) 3 August 2023
Autumn term 2023
Term starts 22 August 2023
Half Term 25 October to 27 October 2023
Term ends (last day) 21 December 2023
Spring term 2024
Term starts 3 January 2024
Half term 14 February to 16 February 2024
Term ends (last day) 27 March 2024
Summer term 2024
Term starts 8 April 2024
May Day closure 6 May 2024
Half term 27 May to 28 May 2024
Term ends (last day) 8 August 2024
How can I access and fund Sense College day services?
There are lots of ways that you can access Sense College day services. You could be referred by your social worker, transition worker or GP. You could also be referred by a friend or family member, or you can refer yourself.
Sense College day centre services can be funded by adult social care budgets, NHS continuing healthcare or personal care budgets, including direct payments.
How has Sense College responded to Covid-19?
We are committed to providing a Covid-19 secure college environment for our learners and staff. Our Covid-19 secure college environment is advised by Sense (our parent charity), Department for Education (DfE) guidelines, Public Health England (PHE) guidelines and local authorities we work with.
Our full Covid-19 risk assessment is provided with Parent Information Packs, and you can also ask us for a copy. Find out how to get in touch with the Sense College team.
We encourage you to keep up to date with current guidance by checking the government’s webpages on Covid-19. We also ask you to keep up to date with the NHS Test and Trace process. Please contact the manager of your local Sense hub if you’re confused about the current guidance.
If you have any questions about our Covid-19 response, you can email our Executive Principal Pat Dyson: [email protected]
Contact Sense College
Phone: 01733 425 053
Email: [email protected]
Address: Upper Floor, 50 Forder Way,
Cygnet Park,
Hampton,
Peterborough PE7 8JB