Rotherham Opportunities College has secured planning permission to transform a former industrial site on Sycamore Road, Eastwood Trading Estate, into a brand-new education hub designed for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The expanded site will double the size of the college’s current premises and feature purpose-built classrooms, breakout spaces, vocational learning areas, training kitchens, integrated therapeutic facilities, an outdoor learning area, and a multi-use games area (MUGA).
To celebrate the exciting move, the college is inviting local businesses to an exclusive networking drop-in event on Wednesday 28th January from 10am to 2pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the new facility, meet staff and students, and learn more about supported internships and partnership opportunities.
Dr Perdita Mousley, Principal of Rotherham Opportunities College, said, “Relocating to our new Sycamore Road site is an incredibly exciting moment for our students, staff, and the local community. Our new home will provide the perfect environment for young people with special educational needs to unlock their full potential. We hope local businesses will come along, find out more about our work, and explore how they can get involved.”
The college, which supports 16–25-year-olds with SEND, was rated ‘Good’ in its most recent OFSTED inspection and achieved outstanding ratings in two areas. Since launching in 2018, it has focused on developing independence, wellbeing, and employability skills for its students and became a registered charity last year.
A fundraising campaign has also been launched to raise £500,000 to complete the renovations and bring the vision for the new site to life. Businesses wishing to attend the networking event can register online at the college’s website: https://theroc.co.uk/rocs-new-site-launch-day-registration
