Admissions

Craftworks College is a specialist post-16 institution (SPI) for students with mild to complex learning difficulties, including complex communication needs (CCN) and mental health needs (MHN), who require a significant level of support beyond what can usually be accommodated within a mainstream further education (FE) college.

We provide education and support for young people aged 16 to 18, and for young people aged 19 to 25 where they have an active Education, Health and Care plan (EHC plan/EHCP).

We aim to match each student’s learning needs with the right support and opportunities at college. To give students a high-quality experience, we follow clear processes, starting with a strong admissions and enrolment system. Once students join us, we regularly review their progress to make sure they are on the right curriculum pathway and receiving the support they need to succeed.

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Our Admissions Process

Consultations and applications are open to young people aged 16 to 25 with an EHC plan. Craftworks College has specialist sites and offers places to students who require Entry 1 to Level 3 programmes, or who have specific learning goals and aspirations that can be supported through our college.

Our admissions process helps us understand each student’s needs, support requirements and goals, so we can consider whether Craftworks is the right setting and pathway for them.

Consultations

Local authority consultations are usually sent through by the relevant Special Educational Needs team. We review the consultation paperwork and supporting information to consider whether Craftworks College may be able to meet the young person’s needs.

When reviewing a consultation, we may request further information to help us understand the student’s learning needs, communication needs, mental health needs, current provision and support requirements. This helps us decide whether Craftworks College can offer an appropriate programme, support package and pathway.

We aim to respond to consultations as promptly as possible and will confirm the next steps once the information has been reviewed.

Direct Application

Craftworks College can consider a small number of direct applications from students without an EHC plan, depending on individual circumstances, support needs and available places.

Students without an EHC plan may have undiagnosed additional needs or a complex history with education providers, which makes Craftworks College an appropriate setting to consider. Students applying without an EHC plan may be asked to complete a Craftworks Passport, which helps highlight any areas of concern and support need.

Where a direct application is made for a student who has an EHC plan, we recommend that the student, parent or carer contacts their local authority so that the application can go through the local authority consultation process.

Site Visit and Taster Days

Site Visits & Taster Days

We welcome potential students to visit our college site to see the college in action. These visits can be arranged through our admissions team, who will organise a suitable time and date.

Craftworks College may also offer taster days for new students where appropriate.

These visits help students, families and staff understand whether the setting feels right, what support may be needed, and whether Craftworks can provide a suitable pathway.Please use the contact details on the website and make it clear that you would like to arrange a site visit or taster day.

Right to Refuse

Places are offered once Craftworks College has received the necessary consultation, application and pre-assessment information, and where available places match the individual support needs of the student.

When considering whether a place can be offered, Craftworks will take account of the student’s individual needs, compatibility within groups, personal care requirements, behaviour support needs, available provision and proximity to the nearest suitable Craftworks site.

Applications accepted after the allocated number of places has been filled may be offered a place during the academic year if a suitable place becomes available.

Craftworks College has a duty of care to all learners and staff. The College may refuse admission where there is evidence that the applicant could present a risk to themselves or others, or where the College is unable to provide a satisfactory risk assessment or appropriate support.

Craftworks College may also refuse admission to an applicant who has previously been excluded from this college or another education institution due to unacceptable behaviour, poor attendance, failure to complete their programme of study, or where there has been no progress since a previous exclusion.

Locations

Brogdale Farm

Brogdale Road,
Faversham
ME13 8XZ

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Muddy Wellies Community Farm

Smeeth,
Ashford
TN25 6ST

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Stourside Farm

Great Chart Bypass,
Ashford
TN23 4ER

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The Nook & Willow Way

School lane
Iwade
ME9 8QJ

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Food with Friends Cafe

Chuch road
Ashford
TN23 1AS

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The Walled Garden

London road
Faversham
ME13 8TH

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FAQs

Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions below.

When can we start applying to Craftworks College?

At Craftworks College, we support admissions enquiries throughout the academic year. We recognise the importance of early transition for some learners and are happy to support early admissions enquiries.

At the point of admission, we will clarify the academic year the student is intending to start. Students may be placed on a waiting list, or placements may be delayed until the following academic year if places are full.

Where possible, we will offer alternative courses or options. If alternative options are not possible, we will continue to keep in touch and offer support throughout the process if a student is out of education and waiting for a placement.

We encourage families, carers and professionals to contact us as early as possible to avoid waiting or disappointment.
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Where should I go to apply?

Please contact admissions@brogdalecic.co.uk or call 01795 844849 to register an interest in a course.If the applicant has an EHC plan/EHCP, we recommend that Craftworks College is named within the annual review process to support the local authority consultation process.

If you need additional support with this, please contact the admissions team.
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Will I be allowed to apply without an ID Document?

No. All applicants must apply for ID documents before starting at Craftworks College.If the applicant does not have an ID document, the parent/carer should obtain proof that an application has been made. We are able to support this process where needed.

For additional information, please contact the admissions team.
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May I provide my friend’s contact details when I going through the Admissions Process? And what should I do if I have changed my contact details throughout the Admissions Process?

No. It is very important that parents/carers provide their own valid and reliable contact details so that we can contact them directly about the application for themselves or their young person.

If you have any concerns about this, please contact the admissions team so that we can support you further.

Please contact us as soon as possible if there are any changes to your application details, or to the young person’s application details. This helps us make sure our communication supports you effectively throughout the admissions process.
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When will I know if I have secured a placement at Craftwork College?

The student will receive a welcome letter confirming that they have secured a placement at Craftworks College. After receiving this letter, they will receive a full enrolment pack outlining the details they will need for their induction day and course.

We work with local authorities, and there can sometimes be a delay in receiving a named placement for us within the student’s EHC plan/EHCP.

We will work with young people and families to support a smooth transition from previous providers to Craftworks College. We will be as efficient as possible throughout this process.

If you feel there is a delay, or you are unsure whether a placement has been secured, please contact the admissions team so that we can support you further.
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Still have a question?

If your questions remain unanswered or you would like further advise, please, contact our admissions team:
01795 844 849
admissions@brogdalecic.co.uk