Following an assessment by college staff, students can study at one of our six vibrant college centres across London and Surrey. Each centre is different but all have strong links with the community.
All students are individual and each course is as unique as they are. Our courses are designed to support and empower each student to achieve their aspirations and goals.
This section provides information to help you apply for a place at Orchard Hill College. It provides dates for the Open Events where you can meet the teams, have a look at the College facilities and ask any questions you may have.
At Orchard Hill College we understand that parents/carers need to be involved in their child’s education. Communication between the College and parents/carers plays a vital role in ensuring students successfully achieve their potential during their time with us.
I have been Principal of Orchard Hill College for five years. Before this, I spent many years as a specialist Lecturer in a range of educational provisions. I have a wealth of experience working with young people in both mainstream and specialist education and within the social care sector. I am driven by preparing students for adulthood and ensuring they are leaving the education system to achieve aspirational outcomes.
I have been a specialist SEND teacher for 14 years, teaching in both General FE and specialist provisions. I have recently gained my NPQH qualification which supports my cross-College role. I joined Orchard Hill College in 2011 as a Lecturer and progressed to my role as Deputy Principal. I am passionate about safeguarding, well-being and mental health, and I currently lead on these areas across Orchard Hill College; ensuring that a person-centred approach is applied enabling students to reach their own meaningful outcomes and develop skills for future success.
David has spent most of his career in the local voluntary and community sector, and is the Director of Sutton Mencap. David is passionate about supporting people with a learning disability to be fully involved in the life of the local community, and the vital role education can play in this. David also has a particular interest in supporting organisations to work together for the benefit of the people they support. Having been a governor for Orchard Hill College for a number of years, David is delighted to Chair the College Committee.
Michele has over 40 years’ experience of teaching, managing and developing provision for adults with learning difficulties in Adult and Community Education. She has worked in a variety of environments including schools, colleges, hospitals, youth centres, day centres and residential care homes in various London boroughs. For several years she also worked as a regional advisor and external moderator for ASDAN providing training and support to schools and colleges to implement specialist LD programmes throughout the south east of England. Michele has been a Governor at Orchard Hill College since 2003 and has also been a Trustee at Sutton Mencap since 2008.
Ric is a parent governor whose daughter, Abigail, attends Orchard Hill College. Three of Ric’s five children have additional needs. Ric works as a Ministry Assistant at Sutton Christian Centre and before joining the OHC Committee was Chair of Governors at Bandon Hill Primary School. Among other things, Ric enjoys running, photography and getting involved in community events in Wallington.
Akansha advises businesses on strategy and operations so they can achieve their objectives. As well as this she also assists in managing budgets of up to $100 million. A Cambridge graduate with an MBA from both The London Business School and Columbia Business School, she was previously a practicing veterinary surgeon. This personal understanding of numerous career paths as well as experience as an A Level Biology Tutor on an Access Project for the past year, and a Student Mentor advising at STEM careers fairs means she is passionate about education and supporting young people to make the best possible career choices.
Neil has been an SEN teacher for 25 years and has worked across a range of settings, including SLD, PMLD and mainstream (BRIT School, Croydon). He has been teaching in his current post at St Philip’s School for just under 14 years where he is the PE co-ordinator. He has a passion for sports and recognises the many benefits that a healthy lifestyle can give to young people with learning difficulties. Additionally he has a particular interest in Social Enterprises and would one day love the opportunity to set one up. He is currently studying an MRes (Ed) at Kingston University and has developed an interest in our young people’s aspirations. As a first time governor Neil is really looking forward to becoming involved in the College’s development.