David Lewis College Rated “Outstanding” For The Third Time

Published by David Lewis School and David Lewis College on Tuesday 18th of April 2023

The latest report has been officially published by Ofsted. The report praises staff’s expertise, enabling students to make a successful transition to adult life.  Currently, there are 7 Outstanding Independent Specialist Colleges in the UK, and David Lewis remains one of them.

David Lewis College is for young people aged 19-25 with a wide range of complex needs, including moderate to profound learning disabilities, neurological conditions including epilepsy and autism and associated communication and sensory impairments, behavioural and health needs.

Quotes from the report stated “Learners feel it is a ‘dream come true’ to study at David Lewis College. They are happy and they think it is an amazing place to learn with lots of great facilities. Learners appreciate the supportive staff who help them to develop their confidence and independence.”

“The curriculum provides learners with opportunities to develop a range of skills for independence and communication through which they improve their confidence and self-esteem.”

John Heritage, Chief Executive of David Lewis said, “We are so proud of everyone at our College – our team and of course the fantastic learners, both of whom make the College the fantastic place it is to learn and grow in confidence and skills.  To be an Outstanding College for the third time really is a fantastic achievement.”

Angie Fisher, Director of Education for David Lewis commented, “This is an amazing achievement and the result of a real team effort by a truly committed and dedicated team of staff. We all share the same vision that all young people with learning difficulties or disabilities should have the opportunity to access an “Outstanding” quality of education which meets their individual needs, supports their aspirations and helps them develop their skills for life and work.”

Patron of David Lewis, HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, GCVO stated, “As your Patron I am so proud of the progress you are continuing to make and I look forward to hearing about your continued progress over the coming months and years.”

David Lewis College “Life Skills” Programmes support the development of the individual skills our young people need to make the next step in their lives. Our Pre Entry, Entry Level and Level 1 courses are individualised to prepare learners for their future adult lives.

The College supports learners to engage in a range of learning opportunities that are relevant to them, detailed in their Education Health and Care Plans and during the assessment process. The college provides opportunities to develop a range of skills for independence and efficient and effective communication, improving confidence and self-esteem, which better prepares them for progression into adult life, living independently and opportunities for work.