New Seeds Education – Stoke-on-Trent
Winchester Avenue College
Specialist post-16 SEND & alternative-provision site · Opening October 2026
Winchester Avenue, ST2 0LL
Post-16 focus · KS4 AP available
Up to 20 on roll · 10 on site at once
Non-school alternative provider
Education close to home — for the young people who need it most
New Seeds Education is establishing a new local provision at the Ten Count Centre, Winchester Avenue, Stoke-on-Trent (ST2 0LL). The provision aligns with the Council's preference for children and young people to receive education within Stoke-on-Trent and as close to their home communities as possible.
We offer specialist post-16 placements alongside part-time alternative provision, inclusion and re-engagement pathways for young people with SEND and complex barriers to education. Programmes are personalised around each learner's assessed needs, EHCP outcomes, aspirations and intended next steps.
Preparation for adulthood, therapeutic support, independence, employability and progression are embedded throughout every learner's timetable.
For Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Local Authority Site Brief
A single-document overview prepared for Stoke-on-Trent commissioners: provision profile, learner group, curriculum and accreditation, cohort model, governance and safeguarding, mobilisation timeline — plus our facilities and the architect's proposed floor plan on the final page.
Six pathways · one personalised programme
Our curriculum combines Functional Skills English and mathematics with digital skills, applied science, fitness, sports nutrition, esports, music and performance analysis — built around each learner's EHCP outcomes and next steps.
Functional Skills English & Maths
Entry Level to Level 2, with GCSE support where appropriate, contextualised through sport, active-leisure and vocational themes.
Accreditation pathway
Functional Skills · GCSE support
Fitness, Sport & Active Leisure
Practical and vocational learning through the on-site gym, boxing hall and active-leisure programme — building physical confidence, regulation and routine.
Accreditation pathway
Planned NCFE Sport / Active IQ
Sports Nutrition, Food Skills & Independence
Applied nutrition, food safety, budgeting and independent-living skills delivered through the on-site kitchen and community-facing sessions.
Accreditation pathway
Planned ASDAN FoodWise · Personal Finance · Food Safety
Digital Skills, Applied Science & Esports
Digital literacy, applied science, esports and performance analysis — a modern, motivating route into STEM, digital careers and higher study.
Accreditation pathway
Planned Pearson BTEC L2 Esports · British Esports Leadership · CREST
Music & Performance Analysis
Studio-based music, production and performance-analysis sessions supporting confidence, communication, emotional regulation and creative expression.
Accreditation pathway
Non-accredited enrichment · progression to graded routes on request
Preparation for Adulthood & Therapeutic Support
Employability, independence, community participation and the SEEDS therapeutic model — CBT-informed wellbeing sessions embedded throughout each learner's programme.
Accreditation pathway
Placement-outcome based · SEEDS therapeutic model
Accreditation routes are indicative and remain subject to awarding-body approval, staff qualification and commissioner agreement. Alternatives of equivalent quality may be used where more appropriate for an individual learner.
Designed for young people who need a smaller, structured, relational environment
The Winchester Avenue provision is intended for learners who benefit from a smaller, structured and relational learning environment. Every programme is personalised around individual assessed needs, EHCP outcomes and aspirations.
Primary needs we support
- Autism (ASC) and neurodivergent presentations
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
- Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
- Trauma-related presentations
- Anxiety-based non-attendance (EBSA / EBSNA)
- Disrupted or interrupted education
A purpose-shaped learning environment
Two designated classrooms with dedicated specialist spaces — used only following suitability and risk assessment. New Seeds has exclusive daytime access.
Small · consistent · relational
Capacity
Up to 20 on roll · maximum 10 on site at any one time
Staffing ratio
1:5 or 2:10 — enhanced where individual needs and risk assessment require
Daily hours
8:30am – 4:00pm · up to 6h 15m taught per day
Weekly packages
Standard 12h 30m over 2 days (Mon–Tue or Thu–Fri); enhanced packages up to 18h over 3 days on commissioner agreement
Wednesdays
Assessment, reviews, 1:1 work and enhanced-package delivery
Opening for referrals: October 2026
The provision is now progressing through mobilisation. All required staffing, safeguarding, insurance, health-and-safety, fire-risk and premises assurance evidence will be completed before the first learner referral is accepted.
Site visits
Available from end of August 2026 once the premises are ready. Commissioners welcome by appointment.
First referrals
October 2026, subject to full completion of the pre-opening compliance actions.
Discuss a placement · Book a site visit
We welcome conversations with Stoke-on-Trent City Council commissioners, EHCP case officers, SENDCos and families about how the Winchester Avenue provision can support local post-16 SEND and alternative-provision priorities.
Ten Count Centre, Winchester Avenue, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST2 0LL · Provider: New Seeds Education Ltd · Company No. 16614132 · ICO ZC207388