A specialist college for young people with autism and learning disabilities has been praised for how it prepares students for adult life.

St John’s College, Brighton, retained its good rating following an Ofsted inspection in June.

The college, in Walpole Road, provides education, care and therapy for autistic young people aged 16 to 25, many of who also have learning disabilities.

Students attend the college on a day or residential basis. Since last September the college has been run by the national charity Ambitious About Autism. 

Inspectors said school leaders are “ambitious” for young people and “create a shared culture of collaboration and high aspiration where learners can be their best". It also highlighted how staff provide a broad range of activities to support learners’ personal development “exceptionally well” and prepare them for adult life. 

The report said: “Learners are polite and respectful. They greet people who are unfamiliar to them courteously and appropriately.

“Nearly all move around the college purposefully and with minimal support from staff. In class they encourage each other to join in with discussions and answer questions. They have a very positive attitude towards their learning, appreciating its purpose and benefit.

“On the rare occasion where learners do become distracted, staff use a range of helpful behaviour management strategies that quickly get them back on task successfully.

“Learners feel safe at the college. They talk to staff about any concerns they may have and know that they will be taken seriously. Bullying is rare and where it does occur is dealt with swiftly and effectively.”

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Inspectors noted that assistive technology is used “skilfully” to support students to communicate and learn. They also said that young people are helped to understand important topics such as healthy relationships and consent, ensuring they are “well-prepared to take a full and active role in society.”

They said: “Staff ensure that learners understand important topics that prepare them for adult life well.

“They help learners recognise the signs of healthy relationships and what to do if a relationship is not appropriate. Staff talk sensitively to learners about the importance of consent and being able to say ‘no’.

“They support learners to appreciate that acceptable behaviour can depend upon the context.

“Accordingly, they enable learners to apply correctly ‘right time, right place, right person’ when thinking about their conduct. As a result, learners form positive relationships with their peers and staff and are well prepared to take a full and active role in society.”

The report said school leaders and governors work closely to ensure the college continues to develop and improve. 

Principal Karen Grist said: “We are very pleased that Ofsted has recognised the work taking place at St John's College to help our learners be themselves and realise their ambitions. 

“The inspectors' report highlights the work of our brilliant staff team in ensuring learners feel positive about learning new skills and preparing for adulthood. I would like to thank our whole college community for their hard work and support.”