RENFREWSHIRE is set to host Scotland’s first dedicated college for school leavers with complex needs, it has been revealed.

Corseford College, operated by Capability Scotland, will open in September to offer further education day placements for those whose needs can’t be met in mainstream colleges.

It will be based within a wing of the existing Corseford School campus, near Johnstone, following a £250,000 refurbishment of both the internal and external environment.

Capability Scotland has already allocated 12 of the 15 places available in year one and an open day for parents and guardians is taking place on Saturday.

Brian Logan, the charity’s chief executive, believes the new college will transform the lives of a number of students with complex support needs, as well as their families.

The Gazette: Brian LoganBrian Logan

He told The Gazette: “We’re delighted with the engagement that we have been receiving from the Scottish Government, empowering us to make Corseford College happen.

“There is a clear and urgent need to address the lack of further education opportunities for so many of our young people in society.

“The default option for those with complex needs is day care. While this is the right route for some, there needs to be greater depth of opportunity.

“We’ve already had a great deal of interest from families all around the country and we’re looking forward to welcoming some of those families to our open day on Saturday.”

The charity’s vision is to increase to 25 students in year two’s intake, before delivering a strategy for a phased rolling out of similar colleges across Scotland.

To register for Saturday’s open day, visit www.capability.scot/events/538-corseford-college-open-day.