Liberty College, a Post 16 SEND college in Margate, has taken part in The Power of Specialist FE awareness week, shining a spotlight on the vital role specialist further education (FE) plays in supporting young people with the most complex needs.
The campaign, led by Natspec, the membership body for specialist FE colleges, ran from 1st to 5th December. It brought together specialist colleges and providers across the country to celebrate the transformative work they do for learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Across England, more than 1.7 million children and young people are identified as having SEND – the highest figure ever recorded. While rising numbers and costs are gaining national attention, discussions often focus on schools, leaving the crucial role of colleges overlooked. Specialist FE provision for 16–25-year-olds ensures that, no matter how complex a young person’s needs, there is a college ready to support them, provide opportunities, and set them up for a bright future.
Liberty College specialises in supporting learners with additional needs such as Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs, Autism, and ADHD. The college offers a safe, inclusive space where learners can enjoy a fun and engaging education while developing essential personal and employability skills.
Courses range from Life Skills, Employability to Hair and Beauty, Construction, Motor Vehicles, and more.
As part of the awareness week, Liberty College invited staff and learners to share their experiences, highlighting what they enjoy about college life, how it has helped them, and why specialist FE is so important.
The college also welcomed East Thanet MP Polly Billington, who toured the college and met with learners and staff.
Alex T
When Alex first walked through the doors of Liberty in September 2024, he was shy, quiet, and understandably anxious about stepping into a new environment. With the support of dedicated staff and a little time, Alex gradually found his footing and what followed was a remarkable achievement.
While completing his employability course, Alex’s confidence grew steadily. Over the year, he not only formed positive friendships but also embraced opportunities beyond the classroom. He participated in extracurricular activities, including the Sail into Retail 6-day course, and soon became a driving force in learner life. Alex also overcame new barriers when he joined to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh course, where he attended his first residential trip, spending a night away from home.
He said: “Since starting at Liberty in September 2024, I can honestly say it has helped me learn so much. During my time in Life skills, I have developed self-awareness skills and coping strategies. I have the confidence to be part of our Youth Participation Group as well as Duke of Edinburgh.”
Alex’s commitment didn’t stop there. He joined Liberty’s Youth Participation group and quickly rose to become its Head, championing learner voices and supporting college initiatives. His enthusiasm extended to fundraising efforts and volunteering at events, often attending on additional days to lend a helping hand.
With exceptional attendance and an unwavering work ethic, Alex has become a role model for his peers. His transformation reached a milestone when he confidently delivered a speech at the college’s Awards Ceremony, a moment that highlighted just how far he has come.
‘Transformation’
Lauren Lawley, Deputy Head at Liberty College, said: “When our learners leave college, they’re confident and ready to take on whatever comes next. Many go through an incredible transformation while they’re here, thanks to the amazing support from our specialist staff and their commitment to giving every learner the best opportunities possible.”
Clare Howard, Chief Executive at Natspec, said: “Specialist FE is about unlocking potential and creating positive futures. Our colleges give young people, many with very complex needs, the skills, confidence and independence they need to succeed in their adult lives. They are critical to the government’s mission to create an inclusive education system, where no learner is left behind. Yet despite this, the sector is too often overlooked by policy makers.
“Through The Power of Specialist FE awareness week, we are shining a light on this vital provision to ensure that it is recognised, valued and fully included in future policy making.”
Liberty College is slap bang in the middle of an industrial estate, within which a significant amount of Thanet’s wealth is generated. It’s interesting to note that Socialist Ms. Billington has not seen fit to visit any of these enterprises during her tenure. Still. What else can one really expect? She’d be totally out of her comfort zone. Whatever happened to “Labour”?