A post-16 pathway
built around you
Specialist post-16 education in Southport for young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan — real qualifications, tailored to each learner, delivered with the support they need to thrive.
Places are exclusively for young people who hold an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Our post-16 provision is high-needs, meaning every place is reserved for a learner with an EHCP.
Education that fits the learner — not the other way around
Mainstream isn't right for everyone. Our post-16 provision is designed for young people with an EHCP who need a smaller, calmer, more personal setting — where their plan is genuinely put into practice, and where they can gain real vocational qualifications alongside the functional skills to move forward with confidence.
No two young people learn in the same way, so no two programmes here look the same. We build every learner's post-16 pathway around their EHCP outcomes, their strengths and their goals — so they leave us with real qualifications and the confidence to use them.
As both our Head of Education and SENCO, Joanne makes sure every young person's plan is more than a document — it shapes their timetable, their targets and the support around them, every single day.
A programme built around every individual need
Every learner arrives with a different story, different strengths and different goals. We shape their entire programme around them — never the other way around.
Built on the EHCP
Each timetable, target and piece of support is mapped directly to the outcomes in the learner's plan.
Paced to the learner
Learners progress at a pace that works for them, with the time and space to truly master each skill.
One-to-one support
Small groups and close, personal support so every young person is known, seen and guided by name.
Level 2 VTCT qualifications
We are an approved VTCT Skills centre, delivering Ofqual-regulated Level 2 qualifications in hair and beauty — taught in our purpose-built salon and studios, alongside the functional skills that open doors.
Every qualification we deliver is regulated by Ofqual and awarded by VTCT Skills — a recognised, respected awarding organisation for the hair and beauty industry.
VTCT Skills Level 2 Diploma in Women's Hairdressing
Cutting, colouring, styling and blow-drying, shampooing and conditioning, plus the client care and salon skills for employment as a qualified hairdresser.
Qualification no. 500/8976/6VTCT Skills Level 2 Certificate in Beauty Services
Facial skincare and make-up, manicure and pedicure, eyebrow shaping, client consultation and the professional standards of a working beauty salon.
Qualification no. 500/9306/XVTCT Skills Level 2 Diploma in Hair and Beauty Skills (VRQ)
A broad introduction across both industries — hair styling, skincare, nail art, make-up and salon skills — ideal for learners exploring their path before specialising.
Qualification no. 603/6187/6Delivered alongside Functional Skills in English and maths, plus enrichment and preparation for adulthood — all built around each learner's EHCP.
Support around every young person
Learning only works when a young person feels safe and understood. That's why care sits at the heart of everything we do.
Pastoral care
A calm, safe place with wellbeing woven through the day.
SEND expertise
Led by our SENCO, with staff trained in SEND and SEMH needs.
Progression
Clear next steps into further study, training or employment.
Family partnership
We work closely with families and professionals around each plan.
Referring a learner
Places are commissioned for young people with an EHCP. Here's how the process works.
Get in touch
Contact us to talk through the young person's needs and plan.
Share the EHCP
We review the plan to make sure we're the right fit for their outcomes.
Visit & meet us
The young person and family come to see the setting and meet the team.
Start the pathway
We agree the programme and welcome them into Ashley Jade.
Talk to us about a post-16 place
Whether you're a parent, a young person, or a local authority commissioning a place — we'd love to hear from you.