Beyond College, Building Your Future: Supporting SEND students with their next steps

Last week, we proudly hosted our 'Beyond College, Building Your Future' event, a dynamic careers and transition fair designed to support students as they prepare for their next steps. The event welcomed 50 families and brought together students from both our Abingdon and Witney campuses for an inspiring and informative afternoon.

Students had the opportunity to engage directly with a range of employers, support organisations, and charities, gaining valuable insight into the many pathways available to them after college. From employment and apprenticeships to further study and specialist support services, the event offered practical advice and meaningful conversations to help young people make informed decisions about their futures.

A key focus of the event was inclusivity. Dedicated support was available for students with specific needs and disabilities, ensuring that every learner felt confident in exploring their ambitions and understanding the support networks available to help them succeed. By creating a welcoming and accessible environment, we reinforced our commitment to empowering all students to achieve their goals.

Adding to the success of the event, our talented Pathways students prepared and cooked a buffet for all attendees – a fantastic catering effort that showcased their skills, teamwork, and professionalism. It was wonderful to see students contributing so positively to an event designed to support their peers.

Hazel Friel, Head of SEND Support, said:

"The event was well attended, and we received highly positive feedback from students and their families/carers. This is a direct reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and care the SEND and Careers Team invested into the planning and co-ordination of the event. Their extensive work in sourcing employers and support organisations, promoting and marketing the event, and liaising so thoughtfully with students and their families was invaluable. This event is a crucial part of preparation for adulthood, and their commitment ensured that it genuinely supported learners in planning their futures. Thank you to our students, their families, and our stall holders for attending and for making it such a successful event."

Events like Beyond College, Building Your Future play a vital role in building connections between education and industry, while also strengthening relationships with families and the wider community. We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to all the organisations who attended and contributed to the event’s success, helping to inspire the next generation of talent