Arden College: Southport, UK

This special school for autism  UK  was originally known as Paduan College. The college has had a few changes of ownership, and is now known as Arden College. Earlier Arden College was a part of Craegmoor owned by Craegmore Healthcare Company Limited, under the auspices of Speciality Care (Rest Homes) Ltd. In 2011 Craegmoor was undergoing a merger with Priory Group. 

The Priory Group was established in 1980. The group is the UK's leading independent  provider of mental health care facilities and operates at more than 500 sites in the United Kingdom and includes among them: rehabilitation and recovery centres; mental healthcare hospitals and clinics; specialist schools and colleges; supported residential facilities and homes; care homes for older people. At the Priory Group there are treated over 70 different conditions through a nationwide network of over 275 facilities. 
Priory Group is organised into three divisions – healthcare, education and children’s services, and adult care services – which together support the needs of more than 30,000 people every year. 

Arden College, being part of the Priory Group: division education and children’s services, has access to additional healthcare and supported living services where needed. 

The range of facilities available ensures that every young person receives a smooth and planned transition from primary education all the way through to further education, university, employment and independent living, as appropriate for each individual.

This autism residential school is situated in a urban, lively but safe enviroment within walking distance of Southport town centre, easily accessible by public transport (both train and bus).

The number of students has changed over the last few years. The college can admit up to 70 residential and day learners. 

Education for a day and residential students is conducted in 6 small homes. 

Arden College is fully accessible and the residential homes have varying levels of accessibility to support a variety of needs. Other areas used for teaching are also accessible including the college run Café in Southport.

This special school for autism offers a range of nationally accredited qualifications.

This special school for autism as educational establishment is inspected on a regular basis by Ofsted (a government department – Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills). Arden College is rated “good” (on a four-point scale: outstanding, good, satisfactory, inadequate)
 
This high functioning autism schools uk being a part of the Priory Group has operational oversight from their regional managers with detailed knowledge of their work. All assurance and governance of quality, safety and compliance are provided by the Priory Group with additional regulatory visits regularly carried out by experienced independent visitors.