ESPA College

Based in Stockton, Sunderland and Newcastle, the College provides day and residential education for young people between the ages of 16 and 25 years with an autism spectrum condition (ASC). Students come from across the country to access this specialist provision that enables them to achieve their personal ambitions.

The majority of our students have additional and complex needs including learning disabilities, ADHD, mental health conditions, behaviours that challenge and sensory issues.

We are committed to providing a high quality, autism-specific educational experience to enable learners to maximise their potential for future life, well-being and work.

We offer a range of imaginative teaching strategies and flexible learning options to meet the unique needs of students with autism.

Newcastle Site

North Rye is situated in Kenton, Newcastle. Some of the learning also takes place in nearby Ashleigh, our Hall of Residence in Gosforth for both day and residential students. Most of the students have high-functioning autism or Asperger Syndrome and many have additional learning difficulties or disabilities.

All students access the autism specific core curriculum and the majority study courses at Entry Level and Level 1.  Independence training, photography, media and music feature highly at this site with functional skills in literacy, numeracy and ICT are delivered discretely as well as being embedded within the curriculum.  Students also enjoy the college’s outdoor education activities, joinery, and horticulture. Learners also attend courses at local General Further Education Colleges and a wide range of community-based learning opportunities as part of their educational programme.