Youngsters at Sunderland special education college celebrate graduation prom night in style

Teenagers, young people, and staff from a college which specialises in educating autistic and Down syndrome pupils have been marking their graduation at a celebratory event at Bede Tower.

ESPA college, which has two education settings in the city, also welcomed the city mayor, Councillor Robert Hutchinson, to join in the celebration with staff, students, and their families.

ESPA College is an autism-specific post-16 further education college supporting autistic young people to develop the skills, confidence and independence they need to move towards developing independency.

There were tears, cheers, hugs and an incredible sense of pride as students thanked staff for the support they have received and celebrated their achievements.

One student to graduate was Jack Berry, 19, who said: “I have really enjoyed my time at ESPA South Hill college. I have learned lots of new things and feel ready to move on to ESPA’s Social Hub. I will miss my staff and friends.”

Another student to graduate was Bradley. His tutor Gavin Wilkinson said: “Bradley has flourished during his journey at ESPA, making lifelong friends, achieving his bespoke learning outcomes and developing the tools to prepare himself for adulthood. We're all incredibly proud of Bradley's achievements and he'll be a huge miss to his peers and staff at college."

For the students graduating, the day represented much more than receiving a certificate.

Every student’s journey through education has been different. For some, their greatest achievements may not always be measured through exams or qualifications. This may be found in speaking in front of a room for the first time, travelling more independently, completing a work placement, forming friendships, overcoming anxiety or beginning to believe in themselves.

College Principal Patrick Cahill said: “We hope they leave ESPA knowing that they will always be part of our college community and that we will always be proud of them.

“Graduation is not simply about looking back at how far someone has come. It is about looking forward and saying: ‘over to you this is only the beginning.”

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During the celebratory event, staff also paid tribute to the “trust families had placed in the college and to the strength and resilience they had shown while supporting their young people”.

ESPA has two colleges based in Sunderland. Tasker College offers functional skills in Maths and English, the Duke of Edinburgh awards, Arts awards and a mix or enrichment and work experience opportunities. There is a personalised focus on preparing students for adulthood.

South Hill College offers a range of vocational qualifications through a personalised curriculum pathway designed around each student’s individual needs, interests and future goals.