Orchard Hill College

Got your results and looking for your next steps after school?

We are recruiting to the last few spaces on our DFN Project Search HQ Supported Internship Programmes starting in September 2026 at various London locations.

🎯 Who it’s for: Young people aged 17–24 with an EHCP
⏳ Duration: 1-year programme
📍 Locations: Croydon, Hillingdon, Lambeth, Merton, Kingston & Sutton
🤝 Delivered by: Orchard Hill College and partner organisations

This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain real workplace experience, build confidence, and develop valuable skills in a supportive environment.

📩 If you’re interested visit our website for more information and fill out an expression of interest form
https://lnkd.in/eQ2wacTT

As learners and colleagues across the College take a well-earned rest over the summer break, we are pleased to share some of the amazing feedback they received this year.

Every achievement, every milestone - the College is there to support learners in reaching their goals and securing bright futures. But for many learners it is much more; it is a community and a second family where they can grow as young adults and become more independent as this learner articulates.

Thank you in advance 🙏

Could you donate a used Keyboard?

We're looking for a keyboard to support a volunteer-led 1:1 music session for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) at Hill College
If you have a working keyboard at home that is no longer being used, please consider donating it. H4All can arrange collection on your behalf.

For more information, contact: [email protected]

🏃‍Run for Orchard Hill College at Run-Fest Kew Gardens! 🌳💙

Looking for a challenge this September? We have a limited number of 10K charity places available for the spectacular Richmond Runfest at Kew Gardens on Saturday 12th September!

By choosing to run for Orchard Hill College, you'll be helping young people with special educational needs and disabilities to achieve their goals, develop independence and thrive.

✅ Free charity place
✅ Beautiful route through Kew Gardens
✅ Fundraising target: £300
✅ Support every step of the way

What difference could your £300 make?
Your fundraising could help provide:
🎨 Specialist resources that enhance learning and creativity
🌱 Enrichment activities that build confidence, independence and social skills
💻 Accessible equipment and technology to support students' communication and learning
🎭 Opportunities that help young people develop life skills and reach their full potential

Please email us at [email protected] for more details

We are delighted to share the Summer 2026 edition of our College magazine Family Matters.

In it you will find photos and write ups from events that have taken place over the summer term. including:

🎈 Prom and Outstanding Achievement Awards
🎈 Celebrating success at House of Lords
🎈 Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award success is recognised at Buckingham Palace
🎈 Celebrating the success of the year at the regional awards
🎈 Supported Interns' graduation events
🎈 Our learners add their voice to the OHC&AT Safeguarding and Wellbeing Conference

Well done to everyone, thank you to all our students, families, carers, colleagues and the college community for a wonderful year. Have a great summer break 🔆

https://orchardhill.ac.uk/family-matters-summer-2026/

✨ A night to remember at our Outstanding Achievement Awards and Prom! ✨

What a fantastic evening celebrating the achievements of our 2026 leavers alongside their families, carers and staff at Epsom Downs Racecourse.

From a special awards ceremony recognising every learner's unique journey, to a packed dance floor, photo booth and plenty of memorable moments, it was a wonderful way to mark the end of an important chapter and celebrate everything our learners have achieved.

A huge thank you to our sponsors – MJ Ferguson Services Ltd, Arcadis, Affinity Workforce Solutions and Humly – whose generous support helped make this unforgettable evening possible.

Congratulations to all of our leavers – we are so proud of you and can't wait to see what your futures hold! 💙🎉

🎉 Congratulations to our Supported Interns on their graduation 🎓️

Learners on our DFN Project Search HQ Supported Internship programmes celebrated the successful completion of their programmes at a series of graduation events held across the regions.

Each celebration reflected the individual character of its region, but all shared the same sense of pride and achievement as learners, job coaches and staff came together to recognise the incredible progress made throughout the year.

Interns were presented with a graduation certificate before receiving a special Supported Intern Yearbook 2026, giving them a lasting memento of their journey, achievements and friendships during their time on the programme.

Throughout the year, learners have developed valuable employability skills, confidence and independence while gaining real workplace experience with employers across London. Their graduation marks an important milestone as many now move into paid employment or the next stage of their journey.

Mel Shepherd, Director of Work Based Learning, said: “Many congratulations to all the Supported Interns on completing their courses this year. You have gained skills, increased confidence and made friends along the way. We know you will take all of these experiences on as you enter the workplace.”

🎉 The results are in! A record-breaking number of people entered the ballot for the 2027 London Marathon, and applicants have now found out whether they were successful.

🏃 Got a ballot place? Why not make your miles matter and join in support of Orchard Hill College? There's no minimum fundraising target – just raise what you can and help transform the lives of our students along with the support and resources from our Fundraising team along the way.

🏃 Didn't get a place through the ballot? Don't worry – we have a limited number of charity places available. These places do come with a fundraising commitment, but we'll support you every step of the way on your marathon journey.

Whether you've already secured your place or are looking for a charity spot, we'd love to welcome you to for the 2027 London Marathon! ❤️

For more information, please email us [email protected]