First cohort of students graduate from Corseford College in Renfrewshire

Scotland’s only college for young adults with complex additional needs has celebrated its first-ever graduating class.

It’s a landmark moment for inclusive education and campaigners are now calling for the pioneering model to be rolled out nationwide.

Among those who graduated from Corseford College in Renfrewshire this summer was Jamie Thomson, who has a deep passion for music.

Inside a purpose-built shed in his family garden, he practices playing the drums – something a music teacher identified as a natural talent when he was younger.

But despite his interests and his active personality, the now 20-year-old’s education options haven’t been easy.

Jamie, who has a learning disability and autism, attended a specialist additional support needs school in Glasgow but he’s found his options limited for college and university.

“Jamie is very active boy,” said his mum Sarah.

Jamie Thomson playing the drums STV News

“He likes a lot of things, he likes his music, theatre, pubs – he just enjoys life.

“Yes he’s got a learning disability and autism – which is just one of those things in life – but why shouldn’t he have the same opportunities as everybody else?”

Earlier this month Jamie made history by becoming one of the first students in Scotland to graduate from Corseford, a higher education facility specifically designed for young adults with complex needs.

Before its creation in 2022, students had to travel to England for any similar form of higher education.

Sarah said: “It was quite difficult when he left high school because there wasn’t a great deal of support.”

The family were eventually pointed towards Corseford College, which was welcoming its first 15 students in the country and, much to their relief, Jamie managed to secure a place.

Sarah said: “I had someone say to me recently that they just cannot believe how well Jamie has progressed from when he started here until now.

“He’s calmed his behaviours down, [learning] how to talk to people – he’s just come on leaps and bounds.”

Run by the charity Capability Scotland, the college, based in Inchinnan in Renfrewshire, offers courses in life skills and independent living for those aged between 18 and 25.

The first graduations mark a significant milestone for the college, which has undergone periods of financial uncertainty.

Earlier this year, the facility faced potential closure as initial pilot funding was set to run out this summer.

However, following a budget deal between the Scottish Government and the Liberal Democrats, Capability Scotland secured £700,000 for this year and at least the same amount for next year, ensuring the short-term future of the college.

Liz McConnachie, head of the college, said: “We’ve came through a lot of hurdles over the last three years, it seems to have just gone in a flash.

“Those very first students to come in the door were a tremendous group and how they’ve grown, matured and developed has been such a rewarding journey.”

Liz McConnachie, head of Corseford College. STV News

One of the main challenges facing families is accessibility to the college.

“It takes 40 minutes out of my day every day and as a working parents it can affect your working life,” said Sarah.

“Our children get no support towards bus costs and taxis would cost an extortionate amount of money.”

Luckily, Jamie’s family can share the travel plans with a family friend but for others it’s a lot tougher – particularly those unable to commute the distance involved.

The charity are now calling for the model to be replicated to serve communities in other parts of the country.

Brian Logan, chief executive of Capability Scotland said: “We were obviously starting from scratch, it was a completely new concept – the first of its kind in Scotland.

“And so it was a journey that we went on to make sure that this happened.

“We have demonstrated that this model is successful and we know that there is a demand for this type of provision right across the country.

“We get applications from other parts of Scotland, which we at the moment can’t service.

“Our ask really is that this is replicated across the country so that everyone has this opportunity and can benefit from this fantastic experience.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government has received the independent evaluation report for Corseford College and we are currently considering its content.

“As the further education minister has indicated, there will be further detail provided on this shortly.”