Since leaving Derwen College, graduate Freya’s newfound confidence has seen her move into her own home and progress towards her ambition of working in hospitality.
Future independence and employment opportunities were key when Freya and her family first started looking at colleges which could help her to thrive after school. From their first visit, they say they knew straight away that Derwen College was the right fit for Freya.
“We looked at many other local and national colleges, but once we saw Derwen College we found the Hospitality and Food pathway, the independent living skills learning and the warm welcome on campus ticked all our boxes,” says mum, Lynne.
For Freya, who has learning difficulties and autism, the transition wasn’t immediately easy. Living away from home for the first time brought challenges: homesickness, anxiety, and adjusting to new routines. But with the consistent care and encouragement of College staff, Freya soon began to flourish. She started her residential life at Juniper Court, sharing with other students and learning the skills of independent living step by step. As her confidence and abilities grew, she took the next leap – moving into one of the College’s supported bungalows with two close friends.
On her Hospitality and Food learning pathway, Freya loved her lessons in the College’s on-site Marketplaces which include a café, restaurant and a mini hotel.
“My favourite places to work were the Walled Garden Café and the Food Centre,” she says. “I loved making cakes and talking to customers!”
Gold awards
Freya excelled in many areas, even winning the Hospitality Table Laying competition at the College’s Skills Competitions 2024, against peers and students from other colleges. She won Gold for her French-themed table setting, to mark the Paris Olympics.
As Freya’s confidence grew, she took on weekly external work placements, including at a local café, where she honed her barista and customer service skills. Her dedication and professionalism earned her the Hospitality and Food Cup at Graduation, awarded for her reliability, excellent attitude, and strong work ethic.
But Freya’s achievements weren’t just in the classroom or kitchen. She challenged herself in ways her family never imagined – particularly through the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Awards programme. Encouraged to give it a try, Freya embraced the opportunity, completing both her Bronze and Silver Awards. Since graduating in 2024, she has returned briefly to complete her Gold Award, including an expedition in Snowdonia.
Her parents recall one unforgettable moment: “She stood up at the College’s DofE celebration event and gave a speech in front of a packed audience. We were amazed. She did things we never thought possible – canoeing across an aqueduct and through a long, dark tunnel. Her confidence just kept growing.”
‘Couldn’t have been prouder’
Another standout moment for her family was seeing Freya at the College’s Summer Fete. “She was so relaxed and happy with her friends and the staff – it was lovely to see how far she’d come. “When it came to her recent internship interview, she spoke confidently and calmly. We couldn’t have been prouder.”
Today, Freya lives in supported accommodation with her two friends, managing the household together – budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and even implementing a house rule: “Whoever cooks gets control of the TV remote!” Any money left over after budget goes toward fun trips and activities together, including a holiday to Butlins!
Freya went on to study Catering at Royal Leamington Spa College, and has progressed to a Supported Internship. Her internship consists of one day a week at Stratford-upon-Avon College, followed by three days at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford. She also volunteers on Fridays at a community cafe. Freya was delighted to be complimented for her table laying skills by the Supervisor of the Food and Beverage Team and for her ability to learn new tasks quickly. She puts these skills down to her training at Derwen College.
Freya’s former teacher says: “Freya was an absolute pleasure to support – polite, reliable, and always smiling. Her customer service was excellent, and watching her confidently operate the barista coffee machine during her final placement was a proud moment. She was a very deserving winner of our Outstanding Student Award for Hospitality and Food 2024.”
Freya’s journey is just one of many inspiring stories being shared as part of Natspec’s The Power of Specialist FE campaign. By highlighting the achievements of students like Freya, we hope to demonstrate the transformative impact that specialist further education can have – empowering young people to build confidence, independence, and a bright future.
