News

New college for people with learning difficulties approved near city

By Lauren Monaghan, Junior Local Democracy Reporter

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Plans for a new specialist college for people with learning difficulties have been approved near the city.

Applicant Peter Barnes applied to Nottingham City Council for the new college in Mansfield Road in March 2025, with the authority approving it on Tuesday (May 27).

The existing site was previously used as a health clinic, Harley Medical Group, across two floors, featuring treatment rooms, a reception area, and a disabled lift for access to the second floor.

It sits on the corner of Mansfield Road and Church Drive, near Sherwood and Mapperley Park.

Now it will be used for educational purposes for young adults with learning difficulties and education, health and care plans (EHCP) – a legal document outlining a person’s needs and how they should be met.

Planning papers name the college as Landmarks Specialist College.

A maximum of 40 students will be enrolled, between 18 and 25 years old, with each attending three to five days a week.

Subject areas will include game-based learning, creative and performing arts, music, art, digital and creative media, Duke of Edinburgh, sports and cookery.

The college will also offer employability training and supported internships.

It will be kitted out with state-of-the-art classrooms, a catering kitchen, a black box performing arts studio, a music studio, an art room and an employability hub.

Documents read: “[Students] learn functional skills, English and Maths and life skills including independence and work experience.

“Some students will be on work programmes, and so will start at the site but then go on to work placements during the day.

“We would expect there to be around 30 people in the building at any one time. 10 members of staff & 20 students.”

Larry Brocklesby, Principal of Landmarks Specialist College, said the expansion marks a “pivotal step forward” for the college.

He said: “Acquiring the new property will significantly enhance our Nottingham offer by providing improved facilities and expanded resources, which we know lead to better learner outcomes.

“Enhancing the learning environment with more space, specialist equipment, and accessibility features will foster an engaging and inspiring place for learning, growth and independence.

“The new site allows us to welcome more learners and introduce programmes that simply weren’t possible at our previous location.

“Ultimately, this investment not only demonstrates our long-term commitment to Nottinghamshire’s SEND community but also empowers our learners to thrive in a supportive, inclusive, and opportunity-rich environment.”

The college will officially open in September 2025 and is now welcoming applications for those with an EHCP, but it says places are limited and “already filling up fast”.

To enquire about a place, the college can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by calling 01246 433788.

The college would be open between 8.30am and 5pm for staff, with students arriving from 9am and staying until 3.45pm.

The building will provide nine parking spaces and one disabled space within a secure gated site.

Papers say student pick-up and drop-off will be “easily facilitated” by the main road, with restrictions outside on Mansfield Road applying between 4pm and 6pm each day.