Supporting Young People with Disabilities

Found in the beautiful town of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, Henshaws Specialist College offers a warm, inspiring environment for young people aged 16 to 25 with a range of special educational needs and disabilities. Whether attending as a day student or residential learner from across the UK, students are welcomed into a community dedicated to building confidence, fostering independence, and supporting achievement.

What the College Is and Who It Supports

Henshaws Specialist College is a unique further education provider based at a bespoke campus in Harrogate, offering both day and residential places to students across England.

The college supports a diverse student body with a wide spectrum of needs, including:

• Sensory impairments (including sight, hearing, and spatial awareness)
• Autism spectrum conditions
• Physical disabilities
• Healthcare needs
• Moderate to severe learning difficulties
• Profound and multiple learning disabilities

Each student benefits from a personalised curriculum, tailored to their individual Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans and regularly reviewed to ensure it remains spot-on.

Bespoke Education & Curriculum

Every student at Henshaws gets a tailored programme that combines education, therapy, personal development, and life skills. Each plan is bespoke and will be carefully designed by key members of staff to ensure it supports aspirations, whether it’s preparing a student for employment, helping them gain independence, or allowing them to explore new interests.

Why it matters: Young people receive exactly the guidance they need, when they need it; we don’t have that one-size-fits-all mentality.

Outstanding Facilities & Therapy Support

The campus is proud to be full of specialist facilities, all in place to support students’ physical and sensory development:

• Accessible swimming and hydrotherapy pools (with hoist and ramp access)
• Multigym, sports hall, and assisted changing rooms
• Independence kitchens with talking microwaves and adjustable workstations

• Specialist therapy services: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, visual impairment support, assistive technology, counselling, nursing and more

Why it matters: Students can safely explore and develop real-world skills, like learning to cook, keep fit, communicate, or move freely, all with expert care available right on campus.

Enriching College Life & Community

College life at Henshaws is proudly vibrant. Whether residential or a day learner, students take the lead in shaping their experience through a rich tapestry of activities:

• Fitness sessions, swimming, sports hall use, and inclusive multi-sensory experiences
• Music, dance, cinema nights, karaoke, choir, and creative events like Summer Ball or Henshaws Got Talent
• Participation in Duke of Edinburgh Awards, community inclusion events, and forest school excursions
• Student Parliament, empowering learners to express their views and help run the college

Why it matters: It’s not just what students learn, but who they are encouraged to become, through connection, creativity, and having a voice.

Why Henshaws Is So Passionate

At the middle of Henshaws’ mission are three key values: Ambition, Respect and Empowerment.

These values come from a strong, unified belief that every young person, regardless of ability, deserves the tools, care, and encouragement to thrive and take control of their lives

Our passion shines through in the personalised curriculum, the investment in specialist facilities, and the nurturing atmosphere we provide. Our passion is clear when families share that their child’s college journey has been “life-changing”, and you see young people find confidence, voice, and joy in every corner of campus.

Henshaws Specialist College in Harrogate is proud to be a hub of inclusive education and genuine care for young people with disabilities. Through bespoke learning, therapist-led support, and an enriching community life, students are taken on a journey toward independence, confidence, and achievement.

We ARE Henshaws. We ARE passionate. We ARE here for those who need us.