Coleg Elidyr, a stunning specialist further education college set in the beautiful Welsh landscape, is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary in 2025.
Established as a charity in 1975, Coleg Elidyr was founded with the philosophy that everyone deserves equal respect and opportunity in life. Although the college has undergone significant changes over the past 50 years, its original ethos remains unchanged.
Supporting your child to move into independent adulthood
Coleg Elidyr, which now sits under Elidyr Communities Trust, is a fantastic place to live and learn. Young people can join the college from the age of 19, and it’s usually the first time they’ve lived away from home.
Geraint Wadley, Head of Education at Coleg Elidyr, explains: “For families, it’s huge. They leave their young person with us, in the middle of rural Wales, and wonder how they will cope. How will a young adult who has often been under the 24-hour love, care and supervision of their parents manage alone?”
The answer is that expectations of parents are consistently exceeded!
Thriving: A Coleg Elidyr learner demonstrates exceptional tea-making skills
Finding a voice and making a cuppa – William’s story
When William arrived at Coleg Elidyr he was reliant on others for many aspects of daily life.
His mother was anxious about him having access to household appliances, such as toasters and kettles, fearing for his safety.
With a tailored programme of structure and routine, William began to thrive. The total communication approach, which combines now and next boards with sign language and verbal cues, helped William to find his voice.
This allowed him to make choices for himself, boil a kettle, iron his clothes and walk alone between sessions.
William’s mum said: “It’s lovely that he can now make himself a cup of tea.”
Please get in touch
If you know someone who would benefit from our approach to building skills and independence, contact our friendly admissions team on 01550 760400.
