Cambian Dilston College is an independent specialist college which provides a high standard of education and care for learners aged 16 to 25 with moderate to severe learning disabilities. 

We successfully support learners with a broad range of complex needs including medical needs and challenging behaviour.  Our staff teams are highly experienced with specialist expertise in autism spectrum conditions and communication and social difficulties.

Cambian Dilston College is situated in Northumberland, close to the towns of Hexham and Corbridge, with easy access to Newcastle City Centre.  Educational placements are day or residential. Residential placements are offered as weekly, termly or up to 52 weeks. Most learning programmes are for two years, with an additional year available where appropriate. 

We pride ourselves on our commitment to providing a high quality and person centred education and care using specialist approaches and individual learning programmes, and utilising our unique on-site learning, leisure and residential environments.  We support learners to gain the skills and confidence they need to move onto the next stage in their lives, whether that is gaining employment, moving towards independent living or progressing to further study.

Individual Learning Programmes (ILPs) enable learners to develop their functional, vocational and personal skills by offering access to a wide range of leisure, accredited learning and work related activities.

Cambian Dilston College offers a wide range of specialist interventions, tailored approaches and proactive options for learning; providing a total communication environment.

Curriculum

There is an opportunity for all learners to participate in a full and active curriculum including flexible routes to accredited qualifications from pre-entry to Level 2.

The launch of new study programmes offers 3 distinct routes to learning:

• Skills for work

• Skills for independence

• Skills for communication and wellbeing

There are 5 strands of curriculum:

• Physical Wellbeing

• Emotional Wellbeing

• Citizenship

• Functional Skills

• Preparation for Transition

All study programme pathways and curriculum areas are holistically underpinned by the RARPA (Recognising and Recording Progress and Achievement) principles.

Vocational and practical learning opportunities:

• Hospitality and catering

• Animal Care

• Duke of Edinburgh

• Horticulture

• Music

• Arts

• Information Technology

• Community Sports

• Community Access

Work Experience

As part of their course, learners are offered the opportunity to access work experience, supported by a dedicated job coach. Work experience placements continue throughout the year allowing learning time to prepare and settle into their placements, apply their class based learning into the work environment and build meaningful, person-centred employment experiences.

Outcomes

In the recent academic year-

• 100% achieved core targets and foundation learning

• 78% of residential leavers moved on into independent or shared supported living

• 56% of all leavers transitioned into work-related placements with 44% going into further education or training

Cambian Dilston College is committed to providing positive transition planning to enable a meaningful destination post placement.

All learner accommodation is registered under the provisions of The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2010 and inspected by the Care Quality Commission.

Regular visitor days are held at the college throughout the year.