What We Do

The Ark is an independent specialist college in the heart of Wigan, supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. We are approved by the Department for Education as a Specialist Post-16 Institution (Section 41) and are registered with Ofsted (URN: 152805).

We offer two pathways:

Post-16 College (ages 16–25).

Full-time study programmes for young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), funded by their local authority. Classes have a maximum of 8 learners.

Alternative Provision (Key Stage 4).

Vocational placements commissioned by schools for students in Years 10 and 11, with classes of 8–10 learners. An EHCP is not required, and placements are flexible and part-time, up to two days per week.

We work closely with families, schools, local authorities and external agencies to understand each learner’s needs, build their confidence and prepare them for their next step, whether that’s further education, training or employment.

Our Offer & Courses

What we offer our students

A safe, calm and welcoming learning environment
Equal opportunities and encouragement for every student
High standards of teaching and learning for all abilities
Industry-recognised qualifications, shaped with input from local businesses and suppliers
Professional, industry-standard facilities and equipment
An environment built on mutual respect, positivity and inclusion
Support with mental health and wellbeing
A tailored programme of personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) and citizenship education

OUR COURSEs

Hair and Beauty
Health and Social Care with Childcare
Functional Skills English and Maths

Our Staff

Industry lead

Our team brings together experienced industry professionals and qualified educators. Many of our staff are SEN-trained, and our PGCE-qualified teachers combine strong teaching practice with real industry expertise to deliver personalised programmes for every student.

progression

At The Ark, students can progress from Year 10 through to Post-16, building their skills, confidence and qualifications at each stage.

Alternative Provision: Students work towards the City & Guilds Level 1 in Hair and Beauty in Year 10, and the Level 2 Technical Award in Hair and Beauty (equivalent to a GCSE) in Year 11.

Post-16: Learners can continue their studies with a Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy, a Level 2 Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing, a Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy, or Health and Social Care and Childcare qualifications, alongside Functional Skills English and Maths.

Through this structured progression, our students develop the practical skills, knowledge and independence they need for a successful future.

Support

Our specialised support

Every student’s support is shaped around their individual needs.

In class: experienced teachers and support staff provide one-to-one and small-group support, so every learner feels confident and capable.
Pastoral care: our Pastoral Lead works closely with students to support their emotional wellbeing and resilience.
Positive behaviour: our approach is built on encouragement and understanding, creating a calm, nurturing environment where students can thrive.