Our integrated studies course is designed to help young people who need some extra specialist support to succeed in a mainstream college. Learners will have the opportunity to work towards achieving an accreditation in their chosen vocational area.
This three-year course will be delivered in conjunction with our co-located partner, Brighton MET, who are part of the Chichester College Group. Our class will be based on their East Campus in Brighton, but learners can also be supported to access other curriculum areas available at the Pelham Campus in central Brighton using a regular bus service.
Learners will receive support from the St John’s College staff team, including a lecturer and autism specialist learning support workers. They will follow our ‘preparation for mainstream learning course’ enabling them to experience some mainstream subjects including sport, child care, multi-trades, art, catering and creative media. The remainder of the full-time course (five days per week) will help young people develop skills in line with the preparing for adulthood pathways, in addition to developing literacy, numeracy and digital skills.
Learners will have access to our universal therapy offer provided through St. John’s College speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and Positive Behaviour Support practitioner team.
Who is it for?
This course is open to 16-25 years old with an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan, who are autistic or have learning needs that can be met by an autism specific provision.
How to apply
We are now recruiting for September 2025. If you, or anyone you, would benefit from this exciting new offer and want to find out more then please contact our admissions team on 01273 244000 or admissions@st-johns.co.uk.
What’s included:
- A full timetable and variety of teaching sessions to develop skills and knowledge for independent living, community access, friendships and relationships, good health and wellbeing and employability
- Experience of six mainstream curriculum courses: sport, child care, multi-trades, art, catering and creative media.
- Use of the mainstream college facilities and recreational areas.
- Access to events organised by Brighton MET
- The opportunity to experience what learning in a mainstream college is like but with specialist 1:1
What do we mean by integrated and vocational studies?
At St John’s College, we offer integrated studies, but we know families sometimes hear about vocational studies too. Here’s a quick explanation to help:
Integrated studies: This is all about giving young people with SEND the chance to be part of a mainstream college. Students take part in different activities alongside their peers, helping them build confidence, independence, and real-world experience in a college setting.
Vocational studies: These programmes focus on preparing young people for a specific job or career, like creative media, childcare, sports, or trades. While we don’t offer vocational studies at St John’s, it’s helpful to know the difference when thinking about next steps.
Meet our team
Coming soon.
