Bridge College

Bridge College is the first step to an independent, happy adult life for our learners.

Based in Manchester, we offer specialist education for students aged 16 to 25 with learning difficulties, disabilities, complex health needs and autism. Every day we provide personalised support, tailored learning and hands-on life skills to give young people the confidence to exceed their aspirations.

Come and be amazed at what you can achieve!

If you can’t find the information you need contact college reception on 0161 487 4293 or by email.

Find out how to apply

Events you might like

A Bridge College student with an ipad, enjoying school time

Bridge College open evening - 24th February

24 February 2021

If you’re thinking about applying to Bridge College, your first step is to get in touch. Our friendly team can arrange a visit and help you decide if this is the right place for you.

A Bridge College student sat at a table smiling at a member of teaching staff

Bridge College open evening - 24th March

24 March 2021

If you’re thinking about applying to Bridge College, your first step is to get in touch. Our friendly team can arrange a visit and help you decide if this is the right place for you.

Join our community

More than 100 people make up Team Bridge, from specialist tutors and therapists, to our incredibly skilled support staff and wider team.

Find out what it's like working with us and see our latest vacancies online.

“Thank you for making Morgan’s first year a really enjoyable one. He has learnt so much and has had guidance from so many wonderful people”. ‘Morgan’s family, 2019’.

Morgan's family, 2019

Helpful information

College opening hours

Our day starts at 9 am and finishes at 3.30 pm.

Contact details

Bridge College
Openshaw Campus
Whitworth Street
Manchester
M11 2GR

0161 487 4293
Admin@bridgecollege.ac.uk

Sara Bayley, Head of Service
Jeremy Swinn, Acting Head of Bridge College
Paul Adams, Chair of the Governing Body

Admission process

When a young person applies to Bridge College, we want to make sure they get the right support. Here are some tips to help with your application.

Come and visit us before applying, to make sure we’re the right place for you
Work with us early so we can understand your needs and put the right support in place for September (we like to start this as early as March)
Work with the transition staff in your school and let them know you want to attend Bridge College

Get in touch today to arrange your visit.

Learn more about our application process

Read our prospectus

Remote Learning Policy

Click here to read our remote learning policy for 2020/2021

Ofsted report

We're proud to have been awarded 'Good' in our most recent inspection. Read our latest Ofsted report online.

Our facilities

At Bridge College, we’ve designed a space where everyone can thrive. Our students love the hydrotherapy pool and 4D sensory learning space. Not to mention our accessible gardens, specialist bikes and wheelchair swing. Come and see for yourself.

Book a visit

Supported Internship Programme

At Bridge College, students can prepare for the world of work through our work skills, work experience and supported internship programme. We want everyone to leave feeling confident for their future. Find out more about our Supported Internship Programme.

Policies

Our policies help to create a safe and supportive environment where our students can thrive.

You can download and read our policies online.

Covid-19 Risk Assessments

Click here to find out further information on the Covid-19 Risk Assessments.

Bridge College news

Facts and myths about the employment of people with disabilities

13 January 2022 - 9:00am

According to the Labour Force Survey, there were 4.4m disabled people in employment in the UK in Q2 2021. In addition, the disability employment rate was 52.7% in Q2 2021, compared to 81.0% for non-disabled people.

Although disability inclusion in the workforce becomes more prevalent, tackling stigma and unconscious bias is still a significant hurdle in bringing on disabled hires at the workplace.

We spoke to Chloe Parker, Job Coach, and Lorraine Ashworth, SEND Tutor, at our specialist college - Bridge College, about some of the potential barriers and their solutions regarding hiring, supported interns.

Bridge College students making a positive impact locally

11 January 2022 - 2:30pm

Work experience at Bridge College is a great way for students to gain invaluable skills that they can use in the future. There are lots of ways students benefit from work experience.

Students, Tom and Charles, currently have a placement working at The Bread and Butter Thing. They have been there for 12 weeks since August 2021 and have made such an impression already.

Students displaying their designed tote bags

Bridge College students designing tote bags

12 November 2021 - 11:00am

Students at one of our specialist schools, Bridge College, have been designing and selling food-themed tote bags within the college as their first major print project of the academic year, thanks to funding from the Karten Network.

The main focus of the project was designing and making a product the students felt other people would buy, so they agreed on an item that is not only practical but eco-friendly – tote bags. The design theme was fruit and vegetables and aims to encourage a healthy lifestyle.