College Life

at SAND

Preparing for adult life — with purpose, support, and real opportunity

College life at SAND is designed for young people aged 16–25 with EHCPs who are preparing for adulthood.

This is not school repeated.
It’s a practical, adult-focused environment where learners build independence, confidence, and employability through real experience, responsibility, and choice — with support that adapts as they grow.

College Life at SAND is For You If…

  • You want practical, real-world learning

  • You are ready to move towards adult independence

  • Need support that understands anxiety, confidence, and difference

  • Want to explore work, enterprise, and responsibility

  • Benefit from structure — but not restriction

Whether the goal is paid employment, supported work, further training, or greater independence in everyday life, SAND supports young people to take meaningful steps forward.

Explore our

Curriculum

A strong foundation for adult life and employability

Click to discover more!

Structure of College Life

  • Trainees attend SAND three days a week. Learning is structured, predictable, and flexible.

  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.

    • 08:00 – 08:30 Arrival

    • 08:30 – 09:30 Registration and Life and Living

    • 09:30 – 10:30 Pathway – Session 1

    • 10:30 – 10:50 Break

    • 10:50 – 12:30 Pathway – Session 2

    • 12:30 – 13:15 Lunch

    • 13:15 – 14:30 Pathway – Session 3

  • Additional work experience days are arranged individually. This structure builds confidence, routine, and adult responsibility.

What Happens Next?

    • Trainees must have an EHCP

    • Placements are decided by the local authority SEN team

    • Discuss SAND at the next Annual Review or contact your SEN caseworker

  • After taster days, families confirm preferences with their SEN caseworker. Final placement decisions are made by the local authority.

Our goal is to support to

trainees into

paid employment

and training

Young people leave SAND with:

Confidence and Self Esteem

More Independence

Work Opportunities

Transition Support

Ready to Explore College Life at SAND?

Get in touch if you would like to find out more about:

  • Referrals

  • Open Mornings

  • Curriculum

We welcome conversations with families, schools and local authorities.