Worcestershire college expands to offer specialist education
The Heart of Worcestershire college have had five students start learning in their classrooms this week
A college in Worcester has expanded their services in a bid to reduce the number of pupils leaving the county for specialist education.
The Heart of Worcestershire say five students have started their learning this week in their classrooms for the first time, with the move allowing for those from the age of 16 to complete their studies in the area.
Principal and chief executive Michelle Dowse says there is plans to expand to more places in the future, and they hope it can be a help to families.
She said: "We recognise the benefits of providing those young adults with complex needs the opportunity and the choice to attend a college in their own community.
"We're starting small with these five learners which we've welcomed in this week, but we do intend and do have the capacity to grow those numbers over time.
"By doing this, it reduces travel time for families and pupils, which enables them to learn in the area where they live, and also ensures they get the provision that they need to achieve."
The college say they hope to increase the number to 12 students moving forward.