Lighthouse on The Marsh

The Study Programme is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted and works to the standard academic calendar but in every other way feels very different to a mainstream school or college. It offers young people aged 16 – 18 (and 19 – 24 with an EHCP) the chance to build up their personal, social and academic skills and confidence so that they can move on positively with their lives. In a small, friendly, accepting and supportive environment, our specialist team deliver personalised sessions in work and life skills, English and Maths over a full timetable of learning and activities.

All of our young people gain experience of the world of work through guest speakers, outings, taster work sessions and placements according to their personalised plans. Various levels of Functional Skills qualifications and GCSEs in English and Maths can be achieved under the Study Programme with specific interventions overseen by our SENCO. All of our young people also have access to a qualified in-house counsellor and will be mentored and supported according to their needs by all staff.

Typically the graduates of The Study Programme move into traineeships, apprenticeships, college or employment and it is the normal practise of the staff to stay in touch beyond graduation to offer support and advice as required - and we just like to hear how you are getting on! Depending on circumstances, bursaries and grants can be applied for to help cover transport, lunch and other costs that might prevent a young person from attending the course.

Students are really well supported through every aspect of the course and this is a real strength of our programme.  As well as there being experienced staff members who offer guidance, mentoring and a listening ear when it is needed, our qualified SENCO and Counsellor offer more specialist support to each individual as is appropriate to them.  Our teaching staff are driven by their passion to help each student achieve where they haven't been able to before and will find a variety of ways to engage the individual with the learning.  We work with each individual to understand their needs and will tailor a learning and support plan to try to meet those needs accordingly.  We offer activities and sessions that work to build confidence, self-esteem and leadership skills and that improve mental health and well-being to try to give all of our students a better outlook on life and a greater chance of reaching their potential.

One of the most regular pieces of feedback we receive from our students is how happy they are at Lighthouse College, and how different it feels to a mainstream provision. 

We offer each student a fresh start and treat everyone with respect.  We have simple rules and expectations that are similar to those that would be found in a work place and students respond well to this as they feel that they are being treated more maturely.  Our whole set-up is small and our class sizes are usually 8 or below and this helps to build a calm and friendly atmosphere where the individual really matters and is well known to all staff.  We work hard to ensure that our students feel safe and listened to and we understand that they may not have had good experiences in education or may not have been in education for a long time.  We also understand the challenges that life can present and the very real impact that these difficult or traumatic events and experiences can have on the progress of students.

If you are eligible for a bursary then most transport costs can be covered for you.  Lighthouse College is not far from a number of bus routes and we are even close to the RHDR New Romney Station!  We are a 5/ 10 minute walk from the centre of New Romney or from the coast.  Mountfield Road usually has a number of free spaces during the day for car parking.