Welcome to Derwen College. We deliver exceptional programmes within a rich learning environment.
Our students are aged from 16 to 25 years, with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
We have no ‘typical’ student at Derwen College. All of our students have individual needs which can include:
- Moderate, Severe, Complex or Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD)
- Physical disabilities
- Autism
- Behaviours of concern
We work with our young people to support them to achieve what they want and challenge them to do more.
The Admissions Journey
Timings to consider for your application to Derwen College
Section 41 Approved
Derwen College is approved under Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014. This means that Derwen College is, by default, listed in all Local Offers across England and Wales.
Section 41 is a list of all independent specialist schools and colleges for children with special educational needs or disability (SEND) that have been approved by the Secretary of State for Education.
We have an amazing team here at Derwen College, and they’re all waiting to support you through this next stage of your young person’s education.
Take time to read through our prospectus, and also have a look at all the Learning Pathways and Programmes on offer throughout our four sites in Shropshire. Most importantly, talk to us so we can help you decide which pathway would be the right one for your young person.
We work with local funding authorities right across the UK, including Wales and Scotland. Our experienced admissions team will help and advise you throughout our admissions process.
We look forward to showing you what student life with us is all about.
When you visit Derwen we will show you some of the amazing work our students do and the facilities they enjoy.
Come and have a look at what we have to offer! We have a number of open day events throughout the year. You will have the chance to meet staff and students and chat about your young person’s next steps.
Ready to apply?
We are currently processing applications for 2025 and beyond.
We have an amazing team here at Derwen College, and they’re all waiting to support you through this next stage of your young person’s education.
It can take quite a long time to secure funding, so we really do encourage you to come and visit as early as possible.
We’re confident you’ll like what we do!
To start your young person’s application to Derwen College, please download and complete our enquiry form. You should return your completed form with supporting documents to admissions@derwen.ac.uk. The Admissions Team will then review the information and will be in touch to advise next steps.
Find out more about our Privacy Statement for Prospective Students.
Find out more about student life at Derwen
Visit Derwen Marketplace
Did you know you can visit Derwen College’s Marketplace, at our Gobowen campus, seven days a week? Derwen Marketplace is an unique setting where College students undertake work placements in a range of customer facing outlets to gain vocational work skills.
Many young people visit Derwen Marketplace with their parent or carers to build familiarity with the College.
Here you can visit our Garden Centre & Gift Shop, Walled Garden Café, The Vintage Advantage Charity Shop – it is a great way to get a feel for life at Derwen.
Watch our ‘Day in the Life’ videos
To find out more about what it is like being a student at Derwen, watch Joe and Rachel’s ‘Day in the Life’ videos. Joe is a residential student and Rachel a day student. Here you can see what a typical day looks like for them.