What Hereward College does

Hereward College is a specialist further education corporation established in 1970 and located on a 12-acre campus in Tile Hill, Coventry, delivering programmes for young people aged 16–25 with complex disabilities and learning difficulties, including autism, profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), physical disabilities, and mental health conditions. Provision is structured around tiered study pathways (Foundation, Explorer, Discovery, Aspire, and Learning for Life), supported internships, residential and respite care, and an in-house clinical team covering physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive technology. The curriculum is anchored by on-campus replica workplaces — a Mini Premier Inn training hotel (built with Whitbread in 2019), the SES Manufacturing/Mini Prism engineering workshop, and the Hereward Job Shop equipped with Bodyswaps VR and Xello careers software — designed to bridge directly into employer-led supported internship pathways with partners including Evtec Automotive, Premier Inn, Severn Trent, West Midlands Police, University of Warwick (Project Search), and SES Engineering Services.

The college operates under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 as a public further education corporation accountable to Ofsted, which rated it 'Outstanding' for High Needs provision. Revenue is primarily generated through Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) commissioning by local authorities on a per-placement basis, supplemented by facilities hire (sports hall, performing arts theatre, MUGA) and a wholly-owned subsidiary, Hereward Training Services (HTS), which sells bespoke disability awareness and EDI training packages to corporate buyers. The Hereward Employment Services team runs an enterprise field-sales motion to develop and maintain the employer partnership network that underpins the supported internship programme.

In 2024–25, 79% of learners with employment as an outcome secured paid or voluntary work, with 47% achieving paid employment — approximately ten times the 5.1% national average for adults with learning disabilities in England — and a 100% retention and achievement rate was recorded across 34 supported interns in 2023–24. The institution is governed by a Corporation Board chaired by George Trow (appointed 2024), with Paul Cook MBE serving as CEO and Principal.

Name

Hereward College

Legal name

Hereward College

Website

https://hereward.ac.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1970

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Hereward College is a specialist further education corporation in Coventry providing residential and day programmes for 16–25 year olds with complex disabilities, funded mainly via local authority EHCP commissioning and supplemented by employer-linked supported internships, facilities hire, and EDI training.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Educational Needs Further Education

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Learning Disabilities & Dyslexia Schools & Programs (EDAKAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Work-Based Learning Programs (Internships, Apprenticeships, Community-Based Instruction) (EDAKANAF)

Keywords

• Special needs education
• SEND further education
• Supported internships
• Disability employment services
• Assistive technology education

Headquarters

HQ city

Coventry

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. EHCP Commissioning: Education funded by local authorities through Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP). The local authority makes the final decision on placement and funds the provision.
2. Facilities Hire: Conference and site hire services including sports facilities, performing arts studio, and meeting rooms available to hire on weekday evenings and weekends.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Hereward College is a specialist further education provider for young people aged 16-25 with complex disabilities and learning difficulties, offering multiple study pathways (Foundation, Explorer, Discovery, Aspire, Learning for Life), supported internships, therapeutic services, and on-campus employer partnership facilities. The college delivers day and residential provision with a wrap-around clinical team and produces employment outcomes approximately ten times the national average for people with learning disabilities.

Product overview

Hereward College is a specialist further education college providing programmes for young people aged 16–25 with complex disabilities and learning difficulties. The offering is structured around multiple study pathways — Foundation (Pre-Entry to Entry Level 2), Explorer (Entry Level 3 and Level 1), Discovery (Level 2 and Level 3), and Aspire (specialist intervention for autism/mental health) — alongside the Learning for Life sensory programme for students with profound and multiple learning difficulties. Employment-focused provision includes Supported Internships, the Hereward Job Shop (with Bodyswaps VR and Xello), and the SES Manufacturing Engineering Workshop. The college also offers Hereward Training Services (HTS) for employer EDI training, residential/respite care, and therapeutic services. In 2024-25, 79% of students with employment as an outcome progressed to paid or voluntary employment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Aspire: Individualised intervention programme for learners with autism, mental health, and social and emotional challenges
• Learning for Life
• Discovery Pathway
• Explorer Pathway
• Foundation Pathway

Products and services

• Foundation Pathway A pre-Entry to Entry Level 2 curriculum for Foundation Pathway students that develops independence, communication, social skills, and preparation for adult life, with Independent Learning Support staff in all lessons. For students aged 16-25 with SEND.
• Discovery Pathway A Level 2 and Level 3 qualification-based curriculum at increasing academic or vocational/technical level, with subject areas including Art & Design, Business & Enterprise, Hospitality, ICT, Media, Music, Performing Arts, and Sport, designed to assist transition into employment.
• Explorer Pathway An Entry Level 3 and Level 1 study programme blending practical work, coursework, and external assessments, with vocational subjects including Business/IT/Enterprise, Catering & Hospitality, Creative Arts & Digital Skills, Manufacturing/Mini Prism Engineering, Outdoor Learning (Horticulture & Construction), Performing Arts & Music Production, and Sport/Health & Science.
• Aspire Programme An individualised and targeted intervention programme for young people with autism, mental health, and social/emotional challenges, providing bespoke intensive support through a nurturing environment using a structured and person-centred approach with a specialist clinical team.
• Learning for Life A sensory programme for students with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) focused on developing skills for independent living using the RARPA framework, with emphasis on communication, physical, and social skills.
• Supported Internships A 12-month employment placement programme linking students with major employers across sectors including automotive, criminal justice, higher education, hospitality, leisure, retail, and utilities, with dedicated on-site job coach support. In 2023-24, 100% retention and pass/achievement rates were recorded for 34 interns.
• Hereward Job Shop A dedicated on-campus facility to help students secure employment, featuring Bodyswaps VR headsets for virtual interview practice, Xello interactive careers advice system, a digital screen for live job vacancies, and a training room for mock interviews. Launched in partnership with employer partners SES Manufacturing and Severn Trent.
• SES Manufacturing Engineering Workshop (Mini Prism) An on-campus engineering workshop replicating SES Engineering Services' Prism offsite manufacturing facility, kitted out with a state-of-the-art assembly line to help learners develop skills for the engineering industry, joined by a fully immersive 3D suite.
• Hereward Training Services (HTS) A training arm of the college that links businesses with education providers and local authorities to create innovative internship programmes, and offers bespoke disability awareness and EDI training packages for organisations.
• Residential and Respite Care Onsite purpose-built residential accommodation for students with complex physical and communication needs, offering a home-from-home environment with ensuite bedrooms, communal spaces, and 24/7 care staff. Respite care is also available at Cofa Tree Lodge.
• Assistive Technology and Therapies A comprehensive suite of therapies including physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy, alongside specialist assistive technology assessments and provision for students with communication needs, neurodiversity, motor difficulties, visual, and hearing impairments.
• Conference and Site Hire Facilities Hireable facilities including a large sports hall (four badminton courts), outdoor MUGA with floodlit ATP, a fully equipped performing arts theatre with 50-space sprung dance floor and recording studio, and catering facilities, available to local organisations on weekday evenings and weekends.

Quantifiable outcome

• 79% of learners with employment as outcome secured paid or voluntary employment (2024-25) — approximately 10x the national average for people with learning disabilities
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

AI capability3 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SES Engineering ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Engineering workshop partnership with Mini Prism facility on campus, kitted out with state-of-the-art assembly line. Two Hereward students employed following training placements. Company is Coventry-based offsite manufacturing firm.
• Coventry Building SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Community grant of £1,000 for teaching tablets plus £1,150 raised by staff for Friends of Hereward College. Staff volunteering at campus during holidays. Hosted business and customer service students at branch for workplace experience.
• Premier Inn (Whitbread)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Training hotel facility built on campus since 2019, with three ensuite bedrooms, reception and linen room. Job coaches trained by Premier Inn staff. Students access hospitality and housekeeping training for progression to supported internship or apprenticeship.
• Severn Trent WatercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Innovative EmployAbility scheme partnership for a decade. Offers internships at Coventry headquarters in admin, property and river ranger teams. Supported by team of Severn Trent graduates acting as buddies. New cohort taken annually.
• Evtec AutomotivecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Supported internship partner with more than 120 Hereward students hosted for work experience programmes. 11 students secured paid employment since 2021. Company produces complex parts for UK car makers including Jaguar Land Rover, Ford, McLaren and Aston Martin. More than 40% of workforce at Coventry plant has some form of disability.
• West Midlands PolicecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Supported internship placements in office-based roles including customer service, data analytics, IT support, finance, HR, marketing and administration. Several interns progressed to permanent positions with the force.
• University of Warwick (Project Search)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVariety of supported internships at Warwick campus including Sports and Wellness Hub, Rootes Grocery Store, Warwick Arts Centre, and hospitality roles at Warwick Conferences. Also collaboration on chef brigades and additional support.
• Sky Blues in the CommunityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSports partnership for regular activities and sports clubs including basketball, cricket, dodgeball, football and table tennis. Staff lead open community Powerchair sport sessions on Thursdays.
• Greenbank ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Power Hockey hub providing specialist Equaliser Powersports chairs. GB Power Hockey Association provides coaching, equipment loan, and promotional support. First partner in the West Midlands region.
• University of DerbyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research partnership to evaluate employment practice for disabled employees. Research will gather perspectives from recruiting staff, trainers, line managers, and disabled employees to understand benefits and challenges of employing disabled people.
• West Midlands Combined AuthorityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research partnership with University of Derby to evaluate employment practice for disabled employees. Also part of Mayor's Youth Plan providing work experience through Careers Hub Pop-Up Shops.
• EKFB (Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial, BAM Nuttall)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint venture constructing section of HS2 high speed rail. Provides 'Making Tracks into Construction' site visits and employability sessions including mock interviews, STEM activities and site tours for Hereward students.
• Stepnell ConstructionminorStrategic or Co-development Partner'Build your Business' employability workshop delivered to Transition to Employment learners. Students created construction companies, designed logos and slogans, reviewed CVs and role-played interviews.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Mencap: UK's leading learning disability charity focused on advocacy, supported employment, and services. Not a direct education provider but a major stakeholder and funder in the SEND employment outcomes space where Hereward competes.
• National Autistic Society: UK charity for autistic people providing education, advocacy, and employment services. Thematically related to Hereward's Aspire programme for autistic learners, though operates nationally through a wider portfolio of services rather than specialist FE.

Direct peers

• Ruskin Mill Trust: Specialist further education provider for young people with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs using land-based and craft-based therapeutic education. Comparable specialist FE peer with shared SEND and transition-to-employment focus.
• Queen Alexandra College (QAC): Birmingham-based specialist college for students with visual impairment, learning disabilities, and autism offering further education, independence training, and supported employment. Comparable SEND FE provider in the West Midlands region.
• National Star College: Specialist further education college in Gloucestershire for young people with complex disabilities, including learning disabilities, autism, and physical disabilities. Closest UK peer to Hereward by mission, student profile, and supported internship model.
• Derwen College: Specialist further education college in Shropshire for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities, offering vocational pathways and supported internships. Directly comparable SEND FE peer with similar employer partnership model.
• Project Search: International supported internship programme for young people with learning disabilities and autism, operating in UK universities and hospitals. Hereward already partners with University of Warwick on Project Search; comparable by supported internship methodology and outcomes focus.

Broad incumbents

• Hft: Major UK charity supporting adults with learning disabilities through supported living, employment services, and personalisation. Comparable in mission to Hereward's employability outcomes, but operates at much greater scale and via supported living rather than education pathways.
• Cambian Group: UK specialist provider of residential care, education, and supported living services for children and adults with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs. Broader, larger-scale SEND and complex-needs provider with overlapping specialist education mission.
• Outcomes First Group: Large UK provider of specialist education, residential care, and supported living for children and young people with SEND, autism, and social, emotional, and mental health needs. Broader, for-profit incumbent with overlapping SEND further education offer at greater scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HerewardCollege
• Facebookfacebook.com/Hereward.College
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hereward-college
• Instagraminstagram.com/herewardcollege

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hereward College