Heart of Worcestershire College and disability charity National Star have won a prestigious education award for their work with young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

The two organisations were praised for their innovative collaboration to launch a specialist provision based at The Heart of Worcestershire College campus in Worcester.
Now, National Star at The Heart of Worcestershire College has been named winner in the innovative specialist/mainstream partnership working category at the Natspec Innovation Awards.

The category judge said: “This is a genuinely innovative three-way partnership between a local authority, a specialist FE college, and a general FE college. It brings students both the benefits of highly specialised provision and the benefits of manageable commutes and learning skills for adulthood in the area round their homes.”

Launched in September 2024, National Star delivers specialist education and therapy to five students with complex needs in the College’s St Wulstan’s Building, Deansway, Worcester. The new teaching and therapeutic space were made possible thanks to grant from Worcestershire County Council.

Lynette Barrett, Chief Executive at National Star said: “National Star has a national reputation for its innovative approach and we are delighted that our unique partnership with The Heart of Worcestershire College has been acknowledged as leading the way in delivering specialist education at the heart of local communities.

“Thanks to the team on the ground whose expertise is making such a difference to the students attending National Star at The Heart of Worcestershire College.”

National Star College tutors, therapists, and care staff deliver the learning within the St Wulstan’s building, bringing National Star’s expertise to local learners with special educational needs.

The space includes three classrooms, an accessible kitchen to learn life skills, a dedicated therapy space, an outdoor courtyard and access to two realistic independent flats for learners to prepare for life after college. Its central location will enable students to access and learn in the college community and the community of Worcestershire.

There has been much interest in the provision, and it is expected to increase its numbers in September 2025.