Pre-16 college plan 'to help disengaged teens'

The centre at Darlington College aims to help prepare vulnerable young people for further studies

A multimillion-pound new centre for teenagers "disengaged" from education is set to be approved.

The pre-16 centre at Darlington College will involve a purpose-built facility for 50 people at the campus.

It is hoped the £2.6m site will allow more vulnerable or challenged young people, who may not cope in mainstream college, to access further education.

Nick Wallis, council member for children and young people, said it would "provide the right environment" for people "to reach their potential".

Councillors will discuss the proposals, funded from the government's High Needs Capital Grant pot, on 3 December.

Almost 100 pre-16 learners are already being taught at the college.

Students will work towards accredited qualifications, including maths and English, as well as learning hands-on skills such as construction, hair and beauty, health, social care and childcare.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands the subjects have been chosen to engage those who have not flourished in mainstream school and encourage them to move into post-16 education by making them familiar with college life.

Schools will buy places from the college for their pupils, with their qualifications reported as part of each school’s results.

David Gartland, principal and chief executive of Darlington College, said: "This proposed skills centre is an opportunity to enable young people to flourish who don't always cope in a mainstream environment, setting them up for future success."