Celebrating 20 years of partnership: McIntyre and Abingdon & Witney College

For the past 20 years, the McIntyre Abingdon Partnership (MAP) has supported hundreds of young people with learning disabilities and autism to take their next steps - whether in education, volunteering, work, or greater independence. Every achievement, big or small, has been celebrated as part of each student’s extraordinary journey.

This year, we came together to mark MAP’s 20th anniversary, honouring the stories, achievements, and growth of the students who have shaped the heart of the programme.

A celebration of achievements

The celebration wasn’t just about marking time; it was about the lives changed along the way. From those first nine students to today’s thriving community, MAP has become a beacon of inclusivity, opportunity, and hope. To mark the anniversary, staff, students, and parents came together for a joyful celebration filled with laughter, memories, and milestones. Guests shared powerful stories of student breakthroughs alongside light-hearted moments that captured the warmth of the MAP community.

A tea party - with plenty of cake - set the perfect tone for a day that celebrated not just 20 years of partnership, but the numerous individual successes that make MAP special.

Reflections on 20 years

Jacqui Canton, Principal and Chief Executive, Abingdon & Witney College
Jacqui reflected on the programme’s evolution - from porta cabins to a purpose-built facility - and celebrated the strength of the partnership. She emphasised how deeply MAP has impacted students and their families over the years.

Yvonne Nugent, Assistant Director, CYP, McIntyre
Yvonne shared her reflections on the remarkable journey of MAP. She spoke about its humble beginnings in Thomley Hall, with only two staff members and nine students, and paid tribute to Hannah, one of the original team members who still plays a vital role today.

She highlighted how MAP has steadily grown over the years, reaching new communities across Milton Keynes, Bucks College, Bedford, and most recently Warwickshire. For Yvonne, this expansion reflects not only growth in numbers but also the strengthening of the programme’s values - creating inclusive environments where young people are supported to achieve their full potential.

Looking ahead

As MAP celebrates 20 years of life-changing work, the partnership between McIntyre and Abingdon & Witney College continues to inspire. With each new milestone, MAP reaffirms its mission: to give young people the skills, confidence, and independence to shape their own futures.

The next chapter promises even greater opportunities - and even more stories of students achieving extraordinary things.