Thornbeck College

Thornbeck College is an Independent Specialist College providing personalised programmes to individuals with autism and neurodiversity

Thornbeck College was the recipient of the prestigious LSIS Beacon Status in 2010

Employment

SB Work Exp JW Work Exp SC Work Exp

The college have defined what ‘employment’ means for different groups of learners to ensure that it is as broad and inclusive as possible, and includes:

open employment on the general job market
supported employment in a specific scheme, voluntary organisation or community initiative
part-time
voluntary work
social enterprise

Supported Internships

Thornbeck College continues to increase its supported internship offer and is working with the following employers:

Social Enterprises

The promotion of an enterprise culture as a means of stimulating economic growth and improving economic prosperity is a key focus of government and industry. The further education sector has a major role in helping foster an enterprise culture. Thornbeck College has developed a range of Social Enterprises that have helped to foster an enterprise culture across the curriculum.

Impact for learners

Enterprise-related skills include the ability to: respond positively to change; be creative and innovative; understand risk and reward; be able to solve problems; communicate effectively; work as a member of a team; use initiative; take the lead as the occasion demands; be confident; develop generic and specific employability skills, including self-management, business and customer awareness, and application of numeracy and information technology; engage in relevant work experience; acquire knowledge about chosen job/career; and develop positive attitudes to work.

Thornbeck College's social enterprises include:

Latest

Diet and Nutrition

Diet and nutrition are a key element of everyone's lives, but we know that for autistic people this can create challenges.
Staying Safe

Staying safe is paramount for all of us and as family members one of your main priorities will be to keep your family member safe and well.
Sunderland runner pledges to run 100 miles in month

Craig Henderson, 39, from Sunderland, is nearly halfway to his goal of running 100 sponsored miles by the end of June in aid of NEAS.
Transitions

Transitions happen every day but we rarely notice them.

New Warlands Farm

New Warlands Farm is our purpose built vocational training centre based on the outskirts of Durham in 77 acres of farm and woodland.
Our sites
What is Autism?

Autism is the word used to describe a lifelong difference in a person’s neurology. It’s very difficult to say exactly what ‘it’ is because it can’t be separated from the person.
What we do

We help remove barriers to support individuals with autism and learning difficulties into employment. This new service has been designed to support both the individual, and also the employer.
Child Residential Care

We design individual programmes for each child or young person who stays in one of our residences to ensure their specific needs are met. We offer weekly, termly and 52 week residential placements.
What We Believe

We provide a wide – and ever growing – range of services for children, young people and adults who are on the autism spectrum.
Our Homes

Creating a 'home from home' environment for autistic children and those with learning difficulties
Trampolining Sessions

Our FREE trampolining lessons are open to children, young people and adults with special needs.
Family Workshops

Our workshops focus on empowering parents to use their natural skills to support their children in the home environment, enabling confidence, and opening parents up to a life as part of their community.
Volunteering opportunities

Volunteering is all about making a difference to other people's lives. Taking time out to change things for the better can be great fun. Find out about the list of roles available and the benefits volunteering can have.