Our History: Bridging the Gap Since 2017

Market Field College was established in 2017 with a clear and vital mission: to create a transitional stepping stone between school and the wider world. Historically, the national outlook for SEND school leavers has been stark, with 95% of young people finding themselves without paid employment. We believed that with the right environment, our students could and should expect more.

 

Removing Barriers to Success

We recognised that many students were being held back, not by a lack of ability, but by barriers to access. Rigid grade requirements and qualification criteria often prevented students from enrolling in vocational courses that, with the right support, they were more than capable of mastering. This frequently left young people in a cycle of repetitive learning, feeling disillusioned and unable to pursue the subjects that truly sparked their interest.

Market Field College was designed to change that narrative. We envisioned a "bridge" out of the school environment; a space where high expectations and practical skills are combined to help students move forward with confidence. From the outset, our curriculum has been purposefully focused on qualifications and employment, offering full courses, or carefully adapted versions, to ensure every student has the access they deserve.

 

Aspirational & Community-Focused

Our vocational programmes go beyond "typical" SEND roles. They are aspirational, broad in scope, and closely aligned with local labour market trends to give our students the best possible start to their working lives within their own community.

Crucially, this vocational offer is underpinned by a robust programme of community-based work experience. This engagement increases year-on-year, allowing students of all levels to acclimatise to different routines and challenges. By building relationships with a diverse range of people, our students begin to develop the skills and resilience necessary for adulthood. This "real-world" exposure serves as an essential transition between the familiar school environment and future independence.

 

Our Impact Today

Since opening our doors, the college has grown alongside our students; expanding our facilities, our staff, and our network of professional partners. Today, we are proud to see a significant majority of our graduates successfully transitioning into paid employment, employment-based training, volunteering, or Further Education. At Market Field College, we aren’t just providing an education; we are working together to level the playing field for the next generation.