North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan visited Derwen College on Friday to hear directly from students about how specialist further education is helping them gain vital skills they need for adulthood.
During her visit to our Gobowen campus, Student Council members Finlay, Alice and Jonathan spoke to the MP about gaining confidence, developing independence and learning the practical and workplace skills they will need for the future. They also shared why receiving the right specialist support has helped them flourish at College.
Helen also visited our Nurture Centre, where she met students with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and saw how specialist support is tailored to their individual needs.
Jonathan, who has been elected the College’s Student Council President for two years running, said: “On the Student Council, make sure we get students’ voices heard. If they have anything they want to bring up, or any suggestions they want to put forward to improve things, we’re open to it. Student voice is a big thing here.”
He also described the difference that finding the right specialist provision had made to him: “Derwen College has been the best fit for me because I’ve flourished and got a lot better with my anxiety,” he said.
Tailored support
Performing Arts student Alice spoke about the tailored support available at College, including access to therapies, physiotherapy and nursing support. She said: “Derwen College is right for me because I get everything that I need, including my course, as well as medication and support.”
Students explained how practical learning is helping them identify their next steps, including independent living and opportunities for further training and employment. Their examples showed how work experience and vocational learning help them to recognise their strengths and make informed choices about the future.
Helen heard how Student Council representatives are chosen through an application, interview, speech and student vote. Members support their peers, welcome visitors, help organise events and raise practical issues affecting college life.
Finlay summed up the Student Council’s role simply: “We make sure things are good at college and make sure people are happy.”
The visit highlighted Derwen College’s personalised approach, bringing together education, therapies, employability, personal development and specialist support. Through vocational pathways, work experience, community engagement and opportunities to take responsibility, students develop the confidence and skills they need for greater independence and meaningful adult lives.
After meeting the students, Helen Morgan said: “I’ve really enjoyed this morning. Your questions have been excellent and you’ve advocated brilliantly for Derwen College. You have explained very clearly why specialist colleges are so important, and that is certainly something I will take away.”
Helen said: “For me, the most important thing is that a young person is in a school, college or educational place that’s best for them, which might be a mainstream school or it might not be. We should just look at what is best for that young person and make sure that that’s what we’re providing for them.”
What is inclusion?
The visit followed the publication of Natspec’s report, ‘What is inclusion and who gets to decide?’, which Derwen College shared with all Shropshire MPs. The report states that inclusion should be judged by whether young people feel they belong, are listened to and receive the right support and opportunities.
Meryl Green said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Helen Morgan to Derwen College and for her to hear directly from our students about the difference specialist education makes to them. Meaningful inclusion starts with listening to young people and ensuring they can access the education and support that is right for them. With significant SEND reforms ahead, we are delighted that Helen has again pledged her support for Natspec’s forthcoming ‘Power of Specialist Education’ campaign which will highlight the vital role specialist colleges play in making inclusion a reality for young people with SEND.’’
