About Us

Welcome to our SEN College, a dedicated institution specialising in hair and beauty education for post-16 students. We are committed to providing high-quality education and support to young people aged 14 and above.

Our college offers specialised programs in hair and beauty, tailored to meet the unique needs of our students. For post-16 learners, it is essential to hold an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) or have identified Special Educational Needs (SEN) to attend our full-time courses. However, our Alternative Provision is accessible to students without an EHCP, offering flexible part-time placements of up to two days per week.

We collaborate closely with external agencies and partner schools to identify and address the individual needs of each student, fostering their confidence and ability to learn. Our goal is to prepare learners for the next stage of their educational journey, equipping them with accredited qualifications and the skills necessary for success in post-16 education, employment, or training.

Our Offer

What we offer our students

A safe and open learning environment.

A warm welcome for all students and providing equal opportunities and encouragement.

We deliver high standards of teaching and learning for all abilities.

We teach industry-recognised qualifications, to a high standard, with input from local business leaders and suppliers, so that we can contribute to local and regional economic development.

We provide both relevant and accessible, industry-standard equipment.

We uphold an environment built on mutual respect, positivity and inclusivity.

We support and educate on the importance of mental health and well-being.

We deliver a tailored program to develop students’ physical, social, health, citizenship and economic education.

Our values

Here at The Ark we encourage our students to build the necessary skills and qualifications to support them in their future employment and career opportunities while promoting a healthy mindset and well-being.
Our core values align with our mission and vision for The Ark.

Empowering Independence

We believe in empowering our students to gain independence so that they can live in the community.

Safe Space

We believe that The Ark is a safe space for our student's, and our staff.

Role Modelling

We believe that our staff are here to be positive role models for our students.

Integrity

We believe that we have integrity in everything that we do.

Understanding

We understand our students' backgrounds, and their needs, and show compassion.

Innovation

We believe that we having an innovative mindset is key when it comes to problem solving and ways of learning.

Collaboration

We believe that working collaboratively is important. This means working with parents, commissioners, schools and other providers.

Our Staff

Industry lead

Our team is comprised of highly skilled industry professionals and trained staff dedicated to excellence in the hair and beauty industry.

In addition to their extensive experience in their respective fields, many of our staff are SEN-trained, ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for all students.

We also have PGCE-qualified educators on our team, combining advanced teaching skills with professional artistry to deliver individualised programmes to our students.

progression

At The Ark, we are proud to guide students on an enriching learner journey from Year 10 through to Year 13 (or above), tailored to their aspirations and abilities within the hair and beauty industry. Our students can work towards a Level 1 Certificate in Hair and Beauty, building foundational skills and confidence in the field. As they progress, they have the opportunity to specialise, choosing either a Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy, a Level 2 Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing, or for those continuing their studies, a Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy. For our Alternative Provision (AP) students, we also offer the Level 2 Technical Award in Hair and Beauty, equivalent to a GCSE, providing a valuable pathway for further education or entry into the industry.

Through this structured progression, our students develop the practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and industry readiness needed for a successful future.

Support

Our specialised support

We are committed to providing comprehensive support tailored to meet the unique needs of each student.

In class, our experienced staff and dedicated teaching assistants offer one-on-one and small-group support to ensure every student feels confident and capable in their learning journey.

Outside of the classroom, we provide a robust pastoral care system led by our skilled Pastoral Lead, who works closely with students to foster emotional well-being and resilience.

Our positive behaviour strategies focus on encouragement and understanding, creating a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. With this holistic approach, we empower our students to achieve their goals in a supportive and inclusive setting.