NOCN Pathway

Post-16 Provision

A therapeutic education and vocational pathway for learners who have struggled to access or sustain mainstream education or college.

Two Core Vocational Subjects

Learners select two main vocational subjects from the NOCN pathway, building real skills for adulthood and employment.

Animal Care
Business and Administration
Catering
Construction
Creative Skills
Hair and Beauty
Health and Social Care
Horticulture / Land-Based Skills
Motor Vehicle and Cycle Maintenance
Sport and Leisure
Digital Skills

Functional Skills in Maths and English are available at Cookham Lodge or Acorn House, where appropriate and commissioned. Learning is embedded into real-life contexts.

Tiered Placements

Placements are tiered based on readiness, with progression built in.

Tier 1

1 Day per week

Building trust and safe re-engagement

Tier 2

2 Days per week

Developing routine and vocational focus

Tier 3

3 Days per week

Full NOCN pathway and accreditation

Standard day: 09:40–14:30, term time. Available at any of our sites.

Digital Portfolio

A clear digital record of achievement including NOCN accreditation, vocational evidence, and Preparation for Adulthood progress — supporting transition to employment, training, or further education.

Reporting

Half-termly reviews covering attendance, engagement, regulation, wellbeing, accreditation progress, portfolio evidence, and next steps — reported directly to schools and local authorities.

Add-On Mentoring

Community-based or Wild Minds mentoring can be added to any placement — supporting regulation, independence, and transition outside of site-based sessions.

Available at Any of Our Sites

Delivery takes place across our farm and learning hubs, matched to each learner's needs and readiness.

The Farm

Animal care, land-based skills, construction and outdoor vocational learning.

Acorn House

Hair and Beauty, personal development, Functional Skills in Maths and English, and structured learning in a calm indoor setting.

Cookham Lodge

Business and Administration, Functional Skills in Maths and English, classroom-based re-engagement, and preparation for college and employment.

Outcomes

Learners on our Post-16 programme typically demonstrate:

Improved regulation and engagement
Increased independence and confidence
Meaningful NOCN accreditation
Employability skills and PfA progress
Preparation for college, training, or work
A clear digital record of achievement

Ready to discuss a placement?

We welcome enquiries from schools, local authorities, and families.

Get in Touch