Future of dedicated complex needs college secured for two years

Scotland’s first dedicated college for students with complex and additional needs has been granted funding for another two years.

The pilot scheme at Corseford College in Renfrewshire will receive up to £1.4 million to continue until 2027.

The college offers opportunities to young people aged 18-25 whose needs cannot be met in a mainstream college and gives them the chance to carry on with education after leaving school.

Since it launched in 2022 the pilot scheme has received more than £1 million from the Scottish Government, which has helped give 35 students with complex and additional needs the chance to continue learning.

Further education minister Graeme Dey said: “Corseford College has delivered vital support to many young people with complex additional needs since its launch three years ago.

“This has been recognised in an independent evaluation of the model, which is why we are securing the College’s future for another two years to ensure that its students can continue to be supported.

“We are keen to explore a sustainable approach for specialist provision going forward, and the continued pilot at Corseford will help inform this.

“The evaluation provided a number of important insights and recommendations which we will be reflecting on and will allow us to evolve the best possible model for the future.

“We are determined to support Scotland’s young people with complex additional needs and disabilities.

“Last month, we published our first national strategy that ensures young disabled people can access the help they need as they transition to adulthood. Our continued funding for Corseford will support this work.”

The Scottish Government said 41 young people will benefit from specialist support at the college in the 2025/26 academic year starting in August.

Capability Scotland, which runs the college, welcomed news of the funding.

Its chief executive Brian Logan, said: “The Scottish Government’s funding decision following the independent evaluation is a vital endorsement of Corseford College’s pioneering approach to specialist post-school education.

“We would like to thank Minister Graeme Dey and his team for their co-operation and unwavering commitment in making this possible.

“This success reflects the dedication of the college’s staff, whose work is transforming the lives of young people with complex needs.

“The funding secures Corseford College’s future, but also marks a key step towards a national solution for those young people living with complex needs across the country.”