The Foundation Studies department provides further education for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, who are aged between 16 – 25 years. The three pathways are designed to provide a personalised learning programme that will support learners with a range of special educational needs and disabilities. Please speak to a member of the team to see if this opportunity might be right for you. 
The sessions we offer are designed to provide a personalised learning programme for every student.
Support is made available to enable equal access to our courses by students who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities.  We are able to assess individual needs and advise on matters concerning the welfare, education and social development of our students.

We pride ourselves on creating a supportive and friendly atmosphere.  This comes from the strong relationships which exist between staff and students creating a college community where each person is valued and can flourish.
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​Students follow individual timetables that have been designed specifically to suit the students abilities and areas of interest. The programmes are intended to develop both independent living and employment related skills, in a wide range of vocational and academic subjects.
​Race for Hope 2026
We would just like to thank all of our Foundation Studies students for taking part in the Race for Hope 2026 event.  We are so proud of all our students who helped to raise more than £8,300 for their local community.
What is Race for Hope?
The Race for Hope event is a charity 5k run orginized by Riverside College, Cronton College and Foundation Studies.  All funds raised goes to the local charity Halton Hospice.

What is Halton Hospice?
Halton Hospice provides care to help improve the quality of life of patients with a life-shortening or terminal condition. 
STUDENT OF THE MONTH: Sapphire S
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Student of the month - March 2025
Sapphire has made great strides in her confidence since joining the department in September 2025. Notably, Sapphire focussed on completing her speaking and listening assessment for Functional Skills and was able to complete her talk and discussion with great confidence. This was a significant barrier to Sapphire and she did incredibly well to complete this.  Sapphire has been completing a work placement within the Foundation Studies department on reception. Sapphires hard work and attitude have been commended throughout the staff team.  She also attends a weekly Duke Of Edinburgh session were she has continued to develop her social and communication skills, pushing herself outside of her comfort zone in the community whilst
participating in challenging walks and volunteering at the local community centre.  Well done we are so proud.
​​Well Done Sapphire!
Our learning pathways
There are three pathways that are designed to provide a personalised learning programme.

​They are:
Pathway to Independence:  This is focused on preparing students for adulthood and developing a range of key skills to help them live as independently as possible.  This pathway is designed for students who progress from specialist schools with small class sizes.

Pathway to Progression:  This pathway has more of an academic element and has a large focus on employability.  Students will have the opportunity to visit various businesses in the workplace and develop practical work experience.  

Pathway to Vocation:  This is for students who want to continue to progress in college.  This pathway focuses on vocational skills and includes Maths & English embedded up to GCSE level.  
Support Available:
​Personal Tutors
Additional Learning Support
Health & Wellbeing Team
Careers Advice
Employability Team
EHCP Co-ordinators
Work Placement Officer
The website is constructed and maintained by Foundation Studies students and staff