SEND school

Great Oaks College - Cannock

Places Available Longford Rd, Cannock WS11 0LG, UK

Great Oaks College is a specialist school dedicated to providing education for students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. We understand that many of our students have experienced challenges in mainstream education, and our mission is to transform their educational journey into a positive, empowering experience. Our college offers a tailored, nurturing environment where each student is supported in reaching their full potential and developing a love for learning.

About

About Great Oaks College - Cannock

Our college serves young people in Key Stages 3, 4, and 5, ranging in age from 11 to 19. We are proud to support each student in discovering their strengths, pursuing their interests, and building a foundation for future achievements.

  • Headteacher: Julie Butcher

  • Chair of Governors: James Madine

  • Proprietor: Peak Activity Services Limited

  • Ofsted: View report

  • Address: Longford Rd, Cannock WS11 0LG, UK

  • Phone number: 01543 622461

  • Supported needs

    • SEMH

Resources

Documents & downloads

Looking for an older Ofsted report? View all Ofsted reports

Useful information

Common questions

Who is Great Oaks College suitable for?

Great Oaks College supports young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who benefit from a specialist post-16 educational environment focused on developing independence, employability and life skills.

What age range does Great Oaks College support?

Great Oaks College provides education and support for post-16 learners, helping young people transition successfully into adulthood, further education, training or employment.

What special educational needs does Great Oaks College support?

The college supports learners with a range of additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, learning difficulties, communication needs and associated SEND requirements.

Can Great Oaks College be named in an EHCP?

Yes. Learners can attend Great Oaks College through an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), with placements typically agreed in partnership with local authorities.

What makes Great Oaks College different from a traditional sixth form or college?

Great Oaks College offers a personalised, specialist approach to education that combines academic learning with practical life skills, employability support and preparation for independent living.

How does Great Oaks College prepare learners for adulthood?

Preparation for adulthood is at the heart of the curriculum. Learners develop independence, communication, social skills, problem-solving abilities and confidence, helping them achieve positive outcomes beyond education.

Does Great Oaks College offer work experience opportunities?

Where appropriate, learners are supported in accessing work-related learning, employability programmes and meaningful experiences that help prepare them for future employment opportunities.

How does the college support autistic learners?

Great Oaks College provides structured learning environments, personalised support and specialist teaching strategies that help autistic learners develop confidence, independence and skills for adult life.

What life skills do learners develop at Great Oaks College?

Learners work on essential life skills such as budgeting, travel training, communication, personal wellbeing, decision-making, self-advocacy and independent living.

Does Great Oaks College support learners' wellbeing?

Yes. Emotional wellbeing is a key priority. Staff work closely with learners to help them build resilience, confidence and positive strategies for managing challenges both in and outside the college environment.

Can prospective learners and families visit the college?

Yes. Families, carers and professionals are encouraged to arrange a visit to explore the college environment, meet the team and discuss individual needs and aspirations.

How can I enquire about a placement at Great Oaks College?

Families, local authorities and professionals can contact the college directly to discuss learner needs, placement suitability, availability and the admissions process. 

Make a referral

Tell us about the person and what they need, and our team will talk through availability and the next steps.


Connected Support

Support centred around each individual.

We call it Connected Support.

A network of Care, Education and Health services for children, young people and adults, seamlessly connecting specialist schools, alternative learning solutions, children’s homes, adult residential, supported living and health services and expertise.

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