Living
Whether you live here on campus or study as a day student, we will encourage you to get fully involved in life at Henshaws Specialist College. You help us to design the college experience that you want. This includes social, creative and leisure activities during the day, evenings and weekends. You can also find more information on this page about the range of accommodation we can provide for residential students.
The experience is yours
We’ll encourage you to challenge yourself by trying different activities and having new experiences every step of the way.
- Improve your fitness in our fantastic accessible multigym, swimming pool and sports hall
- Take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions
- Learn new moves at our music and dance classes
- Enjoy our weekly cinema nights
- Join our College choir or take to the stage at our karaoke sessions
- Try out the latest technology using our state-of-the-art IT facilities
- Explore our local towns and beautiful North Yorkshire countryside
- Get involved in social events including Henshaws Got Talent and our fabulous Summer Ball.
We believe the College experience is about much more than classroom-based learning. We empower students to develop as many practical skills as possible to help them live more independently. Most importantly, young people develop friendships and relationships and also learn how to support each other."
Maureen Clarkson, Senior Care Officer
Residential accommodation
Living on our Harrogate campus provides more opportunities to develop your independent living and social skills. You’ll build up confidence in doing things for yourself, like cooking meals, doing laundry, personal care and communicating with other people.
All of our buildings are accessible, with many rooms featuring tracking hoists for students who are essential wheelchair users.
We have a range of living spaces including shared houses, self-contained flats and The Starting Point, our dedicated low-arousal setting for young people with autism.
Nidd and Ouse student houses
Our residential houses are small and friendly with their own dedicated staff teams available 24 hours a day. Up to 20 students live in each house, with bedrooms and facilities spread over two floors. You’ll have your own ensuite or shared bathroom.
Independent flats
Our flats are ideal if you would like to work towards living in shared accommodation after College. Each one has it’s own communal living and kitchen area, where you can develop your skills for independent living.
The Starting Point
This is a dedicated low-arousal setting which provides a structured educational pathway for young people with autism, or who have similar characteristics along with wider additional needs.
Our campus
We are surrounded by beautiful North Yorkshire countryside on the outskirts of Harrogate, with local shops and community facilities nearby. We would love to welcome you to explore our friendly campus on one of our open days.
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