Queen Alexandra College (QAC)

Empowering Abilities, Inspiring Lives!

QAC is a national, specialist residential College and charity that empowers young adults with learning difficulties and disabilities to achieve their ambitions and to lead fulfilling lives. The charity achieves this by offering a comprehensive range of services, including residential support, specialised education, community engagement, and enterprises.

We welcome students who come to our College from all over the country - as well as many who are local to us. The College has been at its current location since 1903 and offers an innovative, holistic approach to learning and support.

Our diverse range of study programmes are tailored to ensure each student receives the educational, therapeutic and support services that they require, helping them achieve their aspirations for adult life.

As QAC has grown, we now have new educational and learning sites in addition to our main campus - Pinewood Campus (dedicated to employment progression) and Umberslade Campus (dedicated to horticulture and outdoor learning). Whichever location you may attend, you will receive the same high quality experience and specialist support from staff. Some students may experience a combination of all locations.

Class sizes are small and support levels high. Our curriculum is designed to maximise adult life opportunities, develop independence and work skills. We offer a wide range of programmes including Preparation for Life (PFL) delivered at Pre-Entry to Entry level and a range of vocational qualifications to level 3 that enable students to learn and develop valuable sector specific knowledge and skills. Our Learning, Employment and Progression (LEAP) programme offers a wide variety of personal development and vocational taster units to provide students with an introduction to a diverse range of employment skills.

A Supported Internship could also be followed which involves spending the majority of time with an employer in a real job role.

If you need a phased transition back into education following previous difficult experiences, our Access to College programmes provides bespoke specialist support initially away from campus over 3 days.

At QAC your learning is planned around your individual needs, interests and ambitions. The College has a team of specialists on site who are able to support students, including Speech and Language Therapists, Visual Impairment Training Officer, Educational and Clinical Psychologists, Positive Behaviour Team, Counsellors, Mentors, a Braille Tutor, Occupational Therapy and Sensory Support, BSL Interpreters, Rehabilitation and Travel Trainers, Assistive Technology Specialist, Dyslexia Support and Healthcare Professionals, including Nursing and Physiotherapy.

Enrichment programmes enhance the curriculum and help to develop self-esteem, confidence and independence. Our residential provision develops essential skills for personal development such as independent living and social skills. We also offer a specialist respite service and supported living options.

Facilities on our friendly and green 8-acre Harborne campus include new buildings with the latest technology, a fitness centre, state-of-the-art sports hall, sports field, sensory room, yurt, onsite travel training area and library.

Preparing students for their next steps away from College is essential. QAC uses an external party to offer truly impartial information, advice and guidance. We hold careers weeks, transition out events and our dedicated transitions team work with our curriculum department and families to support students moving on make positive plans based around their needs and aspirations.

QAC has developed a new range of services for young people with disabilities in the community. These include support services to enable people to access community activities including a PA/support worker service, social and/or peer groups, leisure activities and the development of a Community Services Hub. We aim to support people to not just achieve greater independence but also to create friendship groups and support networks, find new opportunities and to participate as active members of the community.