Linkage College

Linkage College is a long-established independent specialist college in Lincolnshire, with a compelling offer for young people aged 16 – 25 who have any form of learning difficulty or associated disability. The college has two campuses; Weelsby campus in Grimsby  Toynton campus, near Spilsby and Lincoln Campus in Lincoln, offering both day and residential Study Programmes. Students receive specialist support from highly-trained and friendly staff, including; lecturers, personal and independence tutors, support staff, and where appropriate, speech and language therapists and communication and behaviour specialists. We gained recognition in our most recent Ofsted inspection for 'outstanding' outcomes for students (2013).

We achieve outstanding student outcomes because:

• our students have their own personalised study programme built around their own needs and aspirations.


• our students learn in real working and living environments that encourage them to 'learn by doing.'


• our students have the right level of support - including clinical, communication and therapeutic support - to develop the social confidence, skills, independence and mobility to build a confident future.

Every student is provided with an individualised Study Programme which provides a stimulating and meaningful learning experience to prepare them for their future adult life. Study Programmes typically run over 3 – 5 days a week according to individual need.

Independence Study Programmes support our students to develop confidence and skills such as: looking after a home, cooking and cleaning, developing good relationships with people, working with others, making decisions, safety awareness. Students on this programme also have the opportunity to access work-based projects and placements.

Employability Study Programmes focus on vocational options, including horticulture, business administration, customer service, retail, catering and food service. All students on an employability pathway access a work placement or Supported Internship matched to their career aspirations and work towards an employability qualification. Students on this programme are also able to further develop their independence skills as appropriate.

All students study Maths, English and ICT at a level which is appropriate to the individual.

We are unique in the number and variety of social and commercial enterprises we manage that offer students work experiences which are second to none, in ‘real work’ environments designed to develop the skills young people need to gain and maintain employment.

Our competency and qualification levels typically run from five pre-entry levels to Level 2. Higher levels can also be delivered if appropriate.

With the support of our speech and language therapy team, Linkage promotes a Total Communication and inclusive environment, which enables students to achieve their communication potential. Staff are experienced in BSL, Makaton, PECs, personalised visual time tables, PCPs, cue cards, prompt cards, schedules, making choice visual cards, communication aids, iPads, objects of reference etc.

2015 saw the opening of a £430,000 grant funded Annex for learners with physical difficulties/disabilities at the Weelsby Campus. Over 2 floors, this purpose built building has automated door opening, hoists, physiotherapy, counselling/teaching facilities, wheelchair storing and charging facilities, wet/changing rooms with specialised toileting and showering facilities  and a medical room.

All our impressive accommodation is registered with the Care Quality Commission and staffed 24 hours a day. Each residential student has a detailed Care Plan in place and our expert staff ensure that all their needs are met, not only on an academic basis but socially and personally too.