Aspire
Young people with autism, mental health, and social and emotional challenges can access a range of specialist services at Hereward College to help them reach their potential.
Aspire is an individualised and targeted intervention programme which provides bespoke, intensive support for learners with more complex needs who have struggled to consistently engage and achieve within a traditional educational setting.
As a result you may have missed key areas of learning, and the Aspire programme aims through an initial assessment and subsequent interventions to identify and address gaps in knowledge, behaviours and attitudes.
Working in partnership with you, Aspire supports you to achieve the outcomes outlined in your Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
It does this by providing a nurturing and supportive environment where you will be taught in small groups using a structured and person-centred approach to learning which offers a broad and varied curriculum.
As an Aspire student you will be supported by expert staff who are trained in specific approaches to autism, mental health, and social and emotional behaviour. You’ll also access the skills of a highly specialist clinical team which includes an autism practitioner, clinical psychologist, educational psychologist and a sensory practitioner.
The team analyse behaviours and create an individualised therapeutic plan to ensure you have the tools in place to help you manage your own behaviours and anxieties.
You’ll be encouraged to collaborate to develop a range of skills which will support you on your next steps to independence, learning and work.
Study programme
Aspire learners access a varied study programme with options including:
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An accredited Open Award programme with bespoke, quality endorsed units and flexible learning solutions
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English GCSE/Functional Skills
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Maths GCSE/Functional Skills
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Entry Level 3, Level 1, 2 or 3 vocational programmes which link into the main college pathways, with a tailored support package
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A work-related qualification in customer service along with literacy and numeracy skills
Progression opportunities
Aspire study programmes are centred on personal development and are a good starting point for vocational education and training. You may move from Aspire into the supported internship programme, into employment or move into one of the college’s pathway study programmes.
Maths and English
At our college, English and Maths are at the heart of every learner’s journey. We offer two types of sessions: core English and Maths, which focus on building skills and working towards qualifications, and Life Skills English and Maths, which help learners apply these skills in everyday life. Both are designed to be engaging, supportive, and tailored to each learner’s needs.
In core English and Maths sessions, learners may work towards Functional Skills qualifications from Entry Level to Level 2, and GCSEs where appropriate. These lessons help develop reading, writing, speaking, listening, and numeracy skills in a structured way, with clear goals and personalised support. Learners are encouraged to build confidence, resilience, and independence, with progress tracked through individual targets and regular feedback.
In Life Skills English and Maths, the focus is on using literacy and numeracy in real-world situations. Learners take part in activities like planning trips, reading timetables, budgeting, following recipes, making appointments, and understanding health information. These sessions are practical, hands-on, and often linked to vocational areas, helping learners see how English and Maths are useful in everyday life, work, and independent living.
We know that some learners find reading, writing or working with numbers more challenging. If you have dyslexia or dyscalculia, we’ll support you with personalised strategies—like using coloured overlays, assistive technology, visual resources, simplified instructions, and extra time. Our team will work with you to find what helps you learn best.
Our qualified, experienced and empathetic teachers and support staff are here to help you succeed. They understand the challenges you may have faced and are committed to helping you feel safe, supported, and proud of your progress. Whether you're working towards a qualification or building everyday confidence, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
100% pass rate
In 2022/23 our Aspire students achieved a 100% pass rate.
Comprehensive wrap-around team to support learners
“Leaders have put in place a comprehensive wrap-around team to ensure that learners are supported to take part in college life and learning. These include an experienced and well-resourced clinical team, with a nurse and access to specialist therapies such as counsellors, physical and mental health therapists and coaches to support learners’ health and support needs. As a result, learners can fully participate in lessons and wider college activities and achieve their goals.”
Ofsted report – June 2023
Find out more about the Aspire programme by contacting our Admissions team at admissions@hereward.ac.uk or 02476 426120.