St John’s College (Independent Special College: Section 41 List – Brighton)

About

This is an independent special school, which is not run by the NHS or WSCC.
This service is not checked by WSCC and including it on the Local Offer website does not mean that it is a recommended service.
Find out more on our Terms and disclaimer.

This college is part of the list of independent schools for pupils with special educational needs or disabilities, which have been approved under section 41 of the Children and Families Act.
Find out more about Independent Special Schools and access the entire 'Section 41' list from the Local Offer website.
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St. John's College is an independent specialist college of further education (part of Ambitious About Autism) situated in the diverse and vibrant city of Brighton and Hove. St John’s College offers bespoke further education for our learners. We prioritise the development of communication, vocational, and independent living skills that our learners need to make a successful transition to adult life. Each learner has a highly personalised study programme, designed to develop the skills, attitudes, and confidence that will support progression to positive outcomes. The college works with learners to develop independence skills and enable them to advocate for themselves through person-centred learning.

What we do

• The curriculum is designed to be delivered on a personalised basis where study programmes are comprised of learning activities that are relevant and meaningful for each learner. Our curriculum prepares learners with knowledge, skills, and behaviours for adult life so they can be active participants within their communities. Our programmes focus on the achievement of outcomes within the areas of wellbeing, communication, skills, independence, and employability and each learner's planned outcomes in their Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.
• St. John’s College can offer day places and 38 or 52-week residential placements at one of our residential houses. Each house is registered with Care Quality Commission and undergoes its own individual inspections. Ambitious about Autism is a registered CQC provider.
• Supported Internship programme: Based at the University of Sussex. Using the Project Search model, we will work with host business Chartwells. Our Supported Internships provide real-life work experience for young people with Education, Health, and Care plans ready to explore employment. With tailored placements, on-the-job coaching, and classroom learning in employability (embedded English and maths), we help interns develop the skills and confidence to move towards meaningful paid work. Contact email: stjsupportedinternship@ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk.
• Integrated Studies programme (delivered in conjunction with Brighton MET based at Brighton MET, East Campus ): A 3-year integrated studies pathway for young people aged between 16 to 25 who are autistic or have learning needs that can be met through a specific autistic provision. The curriculum focuses on communication, independence, emotional regulation, and life skills, all mapped to EHC plan outcomes. This provision provides enhanced specialist support to not only enable a successful transition from specialist education to generalist education but also provides young people with the expert support they require to achieve vocational accreditations alongside their mainstream peers.

Age range

16-25

Wheelchair accessible

No

Free to use

No

Requires referral

Yes

Requires application

Yes