• Specialism:
  Education, empowerment and employment for the blind and visually impaired.
• Residential/Day:
  Residential
• Course Start Dates:
  September for younger students and varying points throughout the year for adult trainees.
• Course Length per Year in weeks:
  Courses are 36 weeks up to a maximum of 3 years for younger students with shorter, more vocational employment focussed training available for adults
• Maximum Student Numbers:
  200
• Age Range:
  Students and trainees are aged 16+

General Description of College:
The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) is the UK’s leading specialist residential college for people aged 16 + who are blind or visually impaired.  With over 140 years’ experience, the College stands firm in its original aim; to enable each and every student to achieve their potential and engage fully in their community.

Each year over 150 people from a variety of backgrounds and ethnic groups study and train at RNC

The Curriculum:
RNC offers over 60 programmes of study, both academic and vocational, including: GCSEs, AS and A Levels, BTEC Certificates, Diplomas, NVQs and a Foundation Programme. Support and teaching is provided by a dedicated and highly skilled team of specialist staff using first class resources and facilities. The College also offers a comprehensive work experience programme, together with full transitional support for students wishing to progress into the world of work or university.

In addition to gaining valuable qualifications and experience, students and trainees at RNC learn essential independence and mobility skills, ensuring they have every opportunity to live as independently as possible and achieve their individual goals.

Specialist Facilities:
The College campus is fully accessible and facilities include; modern and fully inclusive teaching and learning areas; information technology equipment incorporating a full range of assistive technology; custom designed residences to allow for independent living; dedicated performing arts and music technology studios and “thePoint4” a fully accessible sports and leisure facility including a hydrotherapy pool.

Statements:

1. expertise in working with students who are blind or visually impaired
2. a programme to help students to look after themselves more independently
3. a personal development programme
4. opportunities to prepare for further training after college
5. opportunities to prepare for work after college
6. a transition programme into independent living
7. specialist orientation and mobility training to enable independent travel
8. opportunities to take part in a wide range of social, leisure and sporting activities
9. comprehensive support in the learning and use of Braille and/or Moon
10. extensive use of assistive and adaptive technologies
11. opportunities to improve Information and learning technology skills
12. opportunities to improve literacy, numeracy and/or communication skills
13. opportunities to experience real work situations
14. guidance and counselling services
15. on site medical provision
16. opportunities to follow a vocational course
17. opportunities to work towards qualifications within Foundation Learning
18. an extensive programme of performing arts
19. waking night residential staff