St Mary’s College in Blackburn has celebrated the official launch of a newly developed provision for young people with Special Education Needs and Disabilities.

It also celebrates the launch of the newly developed building, which has been renamed ‘Vocation Station’; following a college wide competition to rename the building for its adapted use.

The evening provided an opportunity to showcase St Mary's newly developed curriculum offer, Vocational Studies, for young people with Special Educational Needs or for those young people who are simply unable to achieve 5 GCSEs Grades 4 to 9 at this stage in their learning journey.

The new curriculum offer aims to prepare and support students for their next stages in life.

Andy Walker MBE was guest speaker at the event. He said, “I was inspired and impressed by the facilities and attitude of the staff of St Mary’s to the promotion of inclusion, ability and opportunity.

"The open evening and the new facilities present a clear and fantastic learning environment which will enhance the employment, social and inclusive opportunities for the people of Blackburn".

St Mary’s College is also announced it will offer a Supported Internship programme in conjunction with Blackburn and Darwen Local Authority from September 2019 consisting of a vocational study programme, literacy, numeracy alongside paid employment.

Kelly Sharp, Head of Inclusion at the College added, “We are proud that we can now offer a fully inclusive curriculum from Entry to Level 3. We welcome all students to the College, whatever their age, background or ability.

"Inclusion is at the heart of our mission which is to provide a challenging, high quality education, to enable all members of our College community to grow as balanced individuals, morally, intellectually and spiritually”.