Post-16 at Beaucroft College
Beaucroft College is home to our Post-16 provision and is located in the heart of Wimborne approximately one mile from the main school. The college is specially designed to deliver a life-skills and employability-focused curriculum, supporting young people aged 14–19 as they prepare for adulthood.
The college caters for up to ten classes of students with severe and complex learning difficulties, autism (ASC/ASD), and a range of additional vulnerabilities and support needs. Learning priorities are tailored to each individual and are determined through collaboration between students, families, teachers and other professionals.
Our Post-16 provision is based across two dedicated buildings. One supports learners aged 16–19 who are developing greater independence and employability skills, while the other caters for students aged 14–19 with more complex needs who follow a Preparing for Adulthood curriculum with enhanced levels of support.
A Personalised Pathway to Adulthood
The Post-16 curriculum offers a highly personalised, student-centred approach to teaching and learning, enabling each young person to make successful progress through college and towards their chosen post-19 destination. Through a carefully planned programme of learning and experiences, students are supported to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to make informed decisions about their future.
Over the course of their time at college, students work towards qualifications in Life Skills and Employability at Entry Levels 1–3, while continuing to develop their literacy and numeracy skills. Where appropriate, students also undertake Entry Level qualifications in English and Mathematics.
Developing Real-Life Skills
A key focus of the curriculum is helping students develop the practical skills they need to participate as independently as possible in everyday life. Opportunities throughout the year include:
- Work experience placements and workplace shadowing
- Enterprise projects and business activities
- Partnerships and links with local colleges
- Travel training
- Fitness and leisure activities
- Enrichment opportunities that reflect students’ interests and aspirations
All students play an active role in running our enterprise initiatives, including our arts and crafts business and the 1HQ Café. Through these experiences, students develop valuable employability skills such as customer service, stock management, food preparation and hygiene, money handling, teamwork and communication.
Students are encouraged to explore their aspirations, set both short- and long-term goals, and take increasing responsibility for planning and evaluating aspects of their own learning and personal development. They are also supported to develop an understanding of the wider world and how it impacts their lives and future opportunities.
Awards and Accreditation
In addition to their core qualifications, students have opportunities to achieve nationally recognised awards, including the Bronze level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the Arts Award, helping to further develop confidence, resilience, creativity and independence.
For more information on our curriculum please see:
curriculum intent, implementation and impact
Life Skills in Post-16
Graduation 2025