Key Stage 5

 

Our Vision

Welcome to our Key Stage 5 provision, where every student is supported to take confident steps toward adulthood. Our vision is rooted in empowering young people with the skills, independence, and self-belief they need to thrive beyond school. Through personalised pathways and meaningful learning experiences, we prepare students for the three key areas of adult life: successful employment, active participation in their community, and independent living. We are committed to nurturing each student’s strengths, celebrating their individuality, and equipping them with the tools to build a fulfilling future.

 

We provide a personalised and purposeful programme focused on:

 

  • Independence and self help
  • Communication
  • Functional English and maths
  • Employability
  • Life skills
  • Personal and social development
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Key Stage 5 offers up to a three‑year pathway designed around their EHCP outcomes and Personalised Learning Goals (PLGs), with progress recorded and celebrated through Evidence for Learning.
  • We offer a three year programme, which is reviewed each year as part of the annual review process.
  • We support our students during their transition year, should that be transitioning to continue in education, access to social care services or transition into the world of work and employability.

We work with a range of high-quality partners to deliver accredited pathways and enrich student experiences:

 

  • ASDAN (Personal Development Programme(bronze, silver, gold) Lifeskills Challenge, Towards Independence)
  • Edexcel (Entry Level Certificates and Functional Skills in English and Maths)
  • AQA (Entry level certificates in maths)
  • Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
  • The King’s Trust Award (formerly Prince’s Trust)
  • LFC Foundation (Sports Leader opportunities and leadership development)
  • Wigan Be Well including Haigh Hall and Scotsman’s Flash
  • One Vision Studios
  • Local colleges and social care providers for transition and progression
  • The Hub – our community café

Our curriculum is layered to support students’ Cognition & Learning, Communication & Interaction, Physical & Sensory, and Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

 

  • Cognition & Learning: ASDAN programmes (bronze, silver, gold), English and maths,  vocational tasters; learning outside the classroom; college links
  • Communication & Interaction: community access; peer links across settings; work experience; transport confidence;
  • Physical & Sensory: Duke of Edinburgh’s Award; rambles; leisure centre access
  • SEMH: well-being walks; gym/swim; lunch clubs; nurture; Wigan Be Well activities
  • Independence and Self Help – Work placement and confidence in using transport
  • Interventions : Purposeful intervention programmes in Pobble, Teach Handwriting, Fresh Start phonics programme and Nessy dyslexic programme.

We design learning around preparing for adulthood. Depending on their pathway and interests, students typically progress to:

 

  • Further Education (college) — supported by structured college links and visits
  • Employment/Supported Employment — following meaningful work experience
  • Social care day opportunities — where this best meets need and aspiration
  • Supported internships and apprenticeships

 

 

Safeguarding, Inclusion & Equality

Safeguarding and inclusion underpin everything we do. We ensure students access the community safely and confidently, develop self-advocacy, and understand their rights and responsibilities. All visits and placements follow robust risk assessment and safeguarding procedures, and PSHE content is adapted to be age-appropriate and needs-appropriate.

 

 

At West Lancashire Community High School, transition is carefully planned to ensure every student feels safe, welcome and confident as they move into Key Stage 5 or prepare to leave for their next steps. During the final weeks of the summer term, all students take part in an extended transition programme designed to help them settle in gradually. This includes meeting staff, exploring the Key Stage 5 environment, experiencing sample lessons, understanding routines and preparing for new expectations such as work experience or college days. Staff work closely with families, social workers, transition teams and external providers to create a personalised plan for each student. By the time September arrives, students already know the setting, the people and the structure of their days—making the start of Key Stage 5 calm, positive and successful.

 

1. Key Stage 5 Prospectus

Our Key Stage 5 provision supports young adults with a wide range of needs through personalised learning pathways focused on independence, life skills and employability. Students benefit from a broad curriculum including functional English and maths, work experience, enterprise activities, sport and leisure, community learning and accredited programmes such as ASDAN. With dedicated facilities—including a life‑skills kitchen, horticulture unit and sensory spaces—students gain confidence as they prepare for adulthood. Strong community links, college experiences, and tailored pathways ensure every learner can progress towards their individual aspirations.

 

 

2. Transition Support Booklet

The Transition Support Booklet provides parents and carers with clear guidance for navigating the key steps when a young person prepares to move beyond Key Stage 5. It explains available support around college applications, transport, Adult Social Care, 16-19 bursary funding and understanding the local offer. Families are encouraged to attend Parent information events, explore local education and social care providers, and work alongside school staff and transition workers to make informed decisions. The booklet aims to reduce anxiety and ensure that every young person receives the right support for a smooth and well‑planned transition into post‑19 education, training or care.

 

3. Key Stage 5 Student Transition Workbook

The Key Stage 5 Transition Workbook is designed to help students prepare for the move into Key Stage 5 with confidence. It introduces learners to what Key Stage 5 looks like, including timetables, rooms, subjects, equipment, rules and expectations. Through simple activities and reflective questions, students can explore their interests, worries, strengths, friendships and the new experiences ahead—such as college days, work experience and community learning. The workbook aims to reduce anxiety by making Key Stage 5 feel familiar and positive before students arrive.