Bridge College Celebrates Double Success

Scores of families and industry professionals turned out to discover more about Bridge College’s specialist facilities and services, and celebrate its latest achievement – a National Autistic Society (NAS) Accreditation.

The Stockport-based independent further education college, which is one of the only day colleges in the country for students with severe and complex disabilities, opened its doors to visitors, enabling them to find out why it has been awarded this prestigious accolade.

Throughout the day, visitors were treated to student performances and had the chance to experience the College’s specialist resources and multi-disciplinary approach to learning. Visitors also had the opportunity to find out about the College’s ‘skills for life’ curriculum and its innovative use of exercise – two factors praised by NAS inspectors. 

“This year’s open day was an outstanding success, with a whole host of visitors and educational representatives turning up to see our work in action,” said Maggie Thompson, Principal at Bridge College. “During the day, we were able to showcase our specialist services, as well as highlight the great work and achievements of our staff and students. It also gave us the perfect opportunity to celebrate our NAS accreditation with visiting families and professionals. Whilst the college is well known for working very successfully with students who have complex needs, we are equally successful in working with a wide range of young people towards achievement and qualifications and we were delighted to be able to showcase these aspects of our work too. Our recent Ofsted report acknowledges the very high quality at Bridge College.”

In the recent report from the NAS, Bridge College was praised in particular for its enthusiastic staff, who have a skilled approach to student care. The College’s new ‘Step Up’ course, which has been specifically developed for young people with autistic spectrum conditions, was also highlighted for providing a service not currently on offer elsewhere in the North West.

Click Here to listen to the BBC Radio Manchester report