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

Meet the Team

At Thornbeck College, we have a team of highly skilled, passionate individuals who all work in partnership to ensure the best outcomes of our learners and to create a positive, friendly atmosphere within our college

Nicola Brown	Principal
Fay Strong	Vice Principal
Nicola Dunn	Quality Manager
Kayleigh Orloff	FE Tutor
Lee Simpson	FE Tutor
Jessica Hodgson	FE Tutor
Rachael Muncaster	FE Tutor
Leigh Tolley	Senior Learning Support Assistant
Allison Phoenix-Jobson	Learning Support Assistant
Carlie Appleton	Learning Support Assistant
Nicola Woodhouse	Learning Support Assistant
Jenny Armstrong	Learning Support Assistant
Jordan Hill	Learning Support Assistant
Nicola Murray	Learning Support Assistant
Trish Gleeson	Learning Support Assistant
Victoria Blazquez	Learning Support Assistant

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.