Derwen College
Derwen College is a UK specialist further education college serving young adults aged 16–25 with SEND across four Shropshire campuses, delivering vocational pathways, residential and day placements, respite care, and integrated therapy services funded through local authority fees, retail enterprises, and charitable donations.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1927
- HeadquartersGobowen, United Kingdom
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Derwen College does
Derwen College is a specialist further education college founded in 1927 by Dame Agnes Hunt, operating across four sites in Shropshire, UK (Gobowen headquarters, plus Ludlow, Telford, and Walford satellite campuses). The college serves young adults aged 16–25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including moderate, severe, complex, and profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), autism, physical disabilities, and behaviours of concern. Its core offer comprises vocational learning pathways (hospitality and food, retail, horticulture, performing arts), residential placements in eight named houses on the Gobowen campus, and day placements across all sites, supplemented by an integrated team of Highly Specialist Nurses and Therapists, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme (the first SEND-focused DofE provider in Shropshire since 2014), hydrotherapy, ICT training, and supported internships with external employers.
The college is a registered charity (No. 1153280) and private limited company (No. 8615826), governed by a Board of Governors and led by Principal and CEO Meryl Green. Revenue is generated across four streams: (1) student fees for residential and day placements, typically funded via local authority Education and Health Care Plans; (2) Short Breaks respite care at Horton House for adults aged 16–40, at rates starting at £340 per 24 hours; (3) retail and hospitality operations including Hotel 751, the Orangery Restaurant, Walled Garden Café, Garden Centre and Gift Shop, The Vintage Advantage charity shop, and an online merchandise shop; and (4) charitable donations and fundraising through Derwen Charity (operating since 1963). The college maintains Ofsted and CQC registrations and is approved under Section 41 of the Children & Families Act, with Jamie Ward as current Chair of Governors following K Kimber's 2025 transition after 13 years of service. No external investment, parent company, or public listing exists.
Derwen College firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Derwen College
- Legal name
- Derwen College
- Website
- https://derwen.ac.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1927
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Derwen College is a UK specialist further education college serving young adults aged 16–25 with SEND across four Shropshire campuses, delivering vocational pathways, residential and day placements, respite care, and integrated therapy services funded through local authority fees, retail enterprises, and charitable donations.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Derwen College industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Special Education Further Education Services
- NAICS
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Educational Support Services (611710)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Special Education Vocational & Transition Programs (18–22) (EDAKAAAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Post-Secondary Transition Planning & Coordination (EDAKANAA), Work-Based Learning Programs (Internships, Apprenticeships, Community-Based Instruction) (EDAKANAF), College Readiness & Disability Services Transition Support (EDAKANAB)
Keywords
Where Derwen College is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Gobowen
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
Derwen College business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Charitable Donations and Fundraising: Derwen Charity supports Derwen College through donations, fundraising events, and charity activities. Donations provide extra experiences and opportunities for students with SEND. The charity has helped shape the College since 1963.
- Student Fees - Residential and Day Placements: The college generates revenue from fees for residential and day placements for students aged 16-25 with special educational needs and disabilities.
- Short Breaks Respite Care: Short breaks respite provision for young adults with learning disabilities aged 16-40. Fees start at £340 per 24 hours, including accommodation, meals, care support, and outings. Funding can come from local authority, direct payments, private funding, or health funding.
- Retail Operations: Revenue from retail outlets including Derwen Marketplace, Garden Centre and Gift Shop, online shop (merchandise), Orangery Restaurant, Walled Garden Café, and Hotel 751. All sales support student vocational learning.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Short Breaks Respite Care - base rate |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Derwen College Merchandise |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Donation amounts |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels9 records
Derwen College product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Derwen College is a specialist further education college and registered charity providing vocational learning pathways, residential and day placements, and short-breaks respite care for young adults aged 16-25 (and up to 40 for respite) with special educational needs and disabilities. The college operates public-facing training enterprises (hotel, restaurant, café, garden centre, gift shop, online shop) where students gain vocational work experience, and is supported by a fundraising charity arm (Derwen Charity, No. 1153280).
Product overview
Derwen College is a specialist further education college for young adults aged 16-25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), offering a portfolio of vocational education and training services across multiple sites in Shropshire (Gobowen, Ludlow, Telford, and Walford). The core offering comprises vocational learning pathways (hospitality and food, retail, horticulture, performing arts) combined with residential placements at the Gobowen campus and day placements across all sites. Supporting services include Short Breaks respite care, therapy and medical support, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme, and student representation through Learner Voice. The college operates social enterprise training facilities including Hotel 751 (three-bedroom training hotel), The Orangery Restaurant, and Walled Garden Café open to the public, providing real-world work experience for students. Derwen Marketplace serves as a retail training hub with garden centre, gift shop, and charity retail (The Vintage Advantage). The college also runs an online merchandise shop and Derwen Charity (registered charity No. 1153280) which supports fundraising activities. ICT training and sport/leisure programmes complete the enrichment offering.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Vocational Learning Pathways Vocational education programmes for students aged 16-25 with SEND, covering hospitality and food, retail, horticulture, performing arts, and other vocational areas. Delivered at Gobowen main campus and satellite campuses in Ludlow, Telford, and Walford.
- Residential Placements On-campus accommodation for students at the Gobowen main campus, with multiple residence options including Acorns, Bungalows, Cadbury Court, Juniper Court, Kendall Court, Kent House, and Thomas House. Available for funded residential placements.
- Day Placements Day student provision at Gobowen, Ludlow, Telford, and Walford campuses in Shropshire for students aged 16-25 with SEND who commute to college.
- Short Breaks and Respite Care (Horton House) Respite holiday provision for adults aged 16-40 with learning disabilities and associated needs, with tailored short breaks at Horton House in Gobowen. Rates start at £340 per 24 hours including accommodation, meals, care support, and outings. Funding can come from local authority, direct payments, private funding, or health funding.
- Hotel 751 Three-bedroom training hotel open to the public during term time where hospitality students gain practical experience. Features three en-suite bedrooms including one accessible twin room. Operates as a social enterprise supporting student vocational training.
- The Orangery Restaurant Training restaurant for Hospitality and Food pathway students, open to the public Monday to Friday 10am-3pm. Located in the original Georgian farmhouse that was the first Derwen College building.
- Walled Garden Café Café open to the public Monday to Saturday 9am-4pm and Sunday 10am-4pm, serving breakfast, lunch, and cakes. Supports hospitality and food pathway students in training.
- Derwen Marketplace (Garden Centre, Gift Shop, Vintage Advantage) Retail setting open to the public including the Garden Centre, Gift Shop, and The Vintage Advantage charity shop. Open seven days a week; students train and gain work skills in these outlets. All sales support student vocational learning.
- Online Shop (Derwen College Merchandise) Online store selling Derwen College branded merchandise including mugs (£7.00), water bottles (£9.95–£12.95), and umbrellas (£40.00). All proceeds support student vocational learning.
- Derwen Charity Fundraising Programme Registered charity (No. 1153280) supporting Derwen College students since 1963. Provides fundraising platform accepting donations, fundraisers, raffles, events, memberships, auctions, and lotteries. Offers single and regular donations, Gift Aid options, and multiple payment methods including card, PayPal, and Direct Debit.
Quantifiable outcome
- 252 Bronze, 209 Silver, and 94 Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Awards achieved since 2014
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Derwen College
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Derwen College technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Derwen College partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- The Wynn FoundationcoreHas sponsored students at Derwen College for three years. Graham Wynn, representing The Wynn Foundation, presented Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Awards at the celebration event.
- Cae Glas LodgeminorSupporting organisation that attended the Duke of Edinburgh's Award celebration event.
- Lodge of St OswaldminorSupporting organisation that attended the Duke of Edinburgh's Award celebration event.
- Oswestry Masonic FellowshipminorSupporting organisation that attended the Duke of Edinburgh's Award celebration event.
- Duffy's Diner OswestryminorSponsored the Dog Show at the Derwen College Fete and Dog Show 2026. Event judged by Hilbrae Dog Rescue.
- The Hive ShrewsburyminorPartner venue hosting the 'All About Me' art exhibition from Derwen College's Nurture and Learning for Life programmes. Exhibition on display until end of August 2026.
- Take HartminorChildren's art programme providing music for the 'All About Me' exhibition at Derwen College.
- Premier Inn HotelscoreHospitality students undertake work placements in Premier Inn hotels, learning how to strip and prepare hotel bedrooms ready for guests. Students use a digital application devised jointly by the college and employer.
- Pyjama Drama OswestrycoreOffers weekly work placements to Derwen College students. Student Mia used Makaton signing with children during placements.
- Charlies Stores LtdcoreRetail employer offering regular work placements to two Derwen College students. Operations Manager stated it has been incredibly rewarding and they are pleased to continue offering placements.
- Salvation Army Charity ShopcoreCharity shop offering regular work placements to Derwen College students as part of supported internship programme.
- Café Life OswestrycoreCommunity outreach café in Cabin Lane Church, Oswestry. Offered supported internship to student Byron who worked at the counter, served customers, made drinks, and helped with food preparation. Manager has personal connection to neurodiversity.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Derwen College competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Witherslack Group: Large UK specialist education and care provider operating schools, colleges and homes for children and young people with SEND. Comparable broader SEND specialist portfolio, though more residential-schools-focused than Derwen's FE emphasis.
- Cambian Group: UK specialist provider of education and care for children and adults with SEND, autism, and mental health needs. Comparable broad-disability specialism though structured as a multi-site private operator rather than a single charity college.
Direct peers
- Hesley Group: Provider of specialist education and residential services for young people with SEND, autism and complex needs. Comparable in student age band, residential care model and supported employment focus.
- Henshaws Specialist College: Yorkshire-based specialist FE college for young people with SEND including visual impairment and autism, offering residential, day and vocational programmes. Direct comparable charity-run specialist FE model.
- Queen Alexandra College (QAC): Birmingham-based specialist FE college for students with SEND, including visual impairment and autism, with residential and supported employment pathways. Comparable regional, Ofsted-registered specialist FE model.
- Beaumont College: Lancashire specialist FE college for young people with complex disabilities offering residential, day, vocational and therapy services. Direct comparable to Derwen in cohort, structure and service mix.
- National Star College: Specialist UK further education college for young people with SEND/disabilities, offering residential and day placements, work-based learning and therapy. Closely comparable to Derwen in mission, age band, regulatory profile (Ofsted/CQC) and supported internship model.
- Portland College: Nottinghamshire-based specialist FE college for students with SEND and disabilities, providing residential, day, vocational and supported internship pathways. Closely comparable specialist provider with similar mission and student profile.
- Treloar's College: Alton-based specialist college for students with physical disabilities and SEND, offering residential, day, vocational and therapy services. Directly comparable to Derwen's integrated care, therapy and vocational pathways.
- Ruskin Mill College: Specialist FE colleges using practical and land-based education for young people with SEND, autism and learning disabilities. Comparable to Derwen's vocational, work-based learning approach and long-term residential offering.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Derwen College social profiles
Digital presenceDerwen College financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Derwen College leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Derwen College funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Derwen College M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Derwen College
What does Derwen College do?
Derwen College is a specialist further education college and registered charity providing vocational learning pathways, residential and day placements, and short-breaks respite care for young adults aged 16-25 (and up to 40 for respite) with special educational needs and disabilities. The college operates public-facing training enterprises (hotel, restaurant, café, garden centre, gift shop, online shop) where students gain vocational work experience, and is supported by a fundraising charity arm (Derwen Charity, No. 1153280).
Is Derwen College a public or private company?
Derwen College is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Derwen College founded?
Derwen College was founded in 1927. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Derwen College based?
Derwen College is headquartered in Gobowen, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Derwen College make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Charitable Donations and Fundraising is the primary driver. The others are student Fees - Residential and Day Placements, short Breaks Respite Care and retail Operations.
Who are Derwen College's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Witherslack Group and Cambian Group. Direct peers are Hesley Group, Henshaws Specialist College, Queen Alexandra College (QAC), Beaumont College, National Star College, Portland College, Treloar's College and Ruskin Mill College.
Does Derwen College have an API?
No public API is recorded for Derwen College.
What industry is Derwen College in?
Derwen College's product category is Special Education Further Education Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAKAAAG, Special Education Vocational & Transition Programs (18–22), with a secondary code of EDAKANAA, Post-Secondary Transition Planning & Coordination. Its NAICS code is 624310 and its SIC code is 8200.