Available at the following campuses:

What Our Students Say

“So the tutors are great for a number of reasons – they’re casual, you don’t feel like you’re being forced to do anything that’s uncomfortable, they’re not strict, they’ll have a laugh with you if you want to and they know how to get stuff done when they need to if we’re on a bit of a time crunch, but they also know how to have a bit of fun and not put pressure on you – and they’re great, they’re always there to give you information if you need it for at-home tasks and they’re always on Google Hangouts to message you if you need anything and they get back to you really quickly.”

Rachel

“Because I’ve got autism and I’d sometimes have trouble understanding things – because I need stuff breaking down into detail and explaining to me in a perfect way, in a much more understanding way, I have tutors that understand me a bit more.”

Max

“I’m working really well with my tutors – they’re really supportive and we just have a laugh. It’s like a really nice atmosphere. I think the facilities are really fantastic.”

Dan

Did you know!

  • You can contact our Foundation Studies team by calling us on 0113 284 6682 or 0113 284 6675.

Course Information

Introduction

The Vine, in Burmantofts, is our specialist, purpose-built centre for learners with profound and multiple learning difficulties.

The centre, opened in 2023 to replace our former base in Headingley, has been fitted out with cutting-edge facilities to ensure it caters for students’ needs and enables them to fulfil their potential.

The curriculum is tailored to suit each individual based on their EHC* plan, and academic learning is complemented by the development of independent adult life skills.

We understand that all learners’ needs are different and that students will need a high level of assistance. Our on-site specialist care and medical team, working with NHS services, ensures that each student’s medical regime is taken care of.

A range of special equipment and facilities, meanwhile - including a hydrotherapy pool, sensory room, rebound therapy and classroom hoists - ensures students are fully supported. This is all aimed at helping each learner to be as independent as they can as they prepare for adulthood.

*An education, health and care (EHC) plan is for young people aged up to 25 who need more support than is available through special educational needs support. EHC plans identify educational, health, and social needs and set out the additional support needed to meet them. Your local authority can carry out these assessments if they are not already in place - search EHC at gov.uk for more information.

Who is this course for?

Foundation Studies courses are suited to anyone with disabilities, learning difficulties, or difficulty managing emotions and behavior. Our courses support you with progression by providing you with the skills needed in adulthood, specifically aimed at greater independence, supported living, and work related learning. Our courses are based at Joseph Priestley Centre, Beeston or Vine. We also run a next steps employment course that is based at a central site. This is an opportunity for learners to develop their work skills.

Benefits and skills

  • Adulthood skills such as cooking, shopping, and household tasks.
  • Creative activity opportunities.
  • Enterprise activity opportunities.
  • Practical English and maths knowledge.
  • Awareness of using public transport.
  • Computer skills.
  • Understanding of using money and managing personal budgets.
  • Personal and social development.
  • Entry requirements

    Our courses are extremely personalised and are designed to support progression. These courses may be suitable if you have few or no formal qualifications.

    Course details

    Duration: 1 year
    Start Date: 15/09/2025
    Fees (16-18): No fee
    Study Type: Full time
    Course Code: 70812-01

    You may also be interested in