Fortune College: part of The Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy

Fortune College is a specialist college for young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities aged 16-25.

The college’s Further Education Through Horsemastership (FETH) Course offers an educational residential/day programme, working with horses, that prepares young people with learning disabilities to live as independently as possible and participate in their local community. The college provides the opportunity to achieve accredited qualifications, and develop communication skills, independent living skills, self-confidence and skills for working life.

What should participants expect?

Further Education Through Horsemastership (FETH) Course
This is the course delivered at Fortune College. Within this, there are a number of pathways students can choose from, which focus on different areas of knowledge and skills. Have a look below for more information on the options available.

Where does the activity take place?

The curriculum is delivered across three locations:

Our main education site at Avon Tyrrell which includes an indoor and outdoor school, fields, access directly onto the New Forest, classrooms and a new IT Hub.

Wootton Hall Farm, located 15 minutes drive from Avon Tyrrell, which is our main residential site for residential students. Wootton also has its own stable yard and provides weekly riding therapy sessions for local children, up to the age of 16, with a range of special educational needs and disabilities.

Meredith Lodge is nearby in the village of Burley and provides students with the opportunity to live in a semi-independent flat, to practice and develop their independence in preparation for their future.

When does it take place?

Riding and Horse Care:

Students can complete a range of internal qualifications, or work towards qualifications accredited by the British Horse Society or Equestrian Qualifications GB Ltd.

Independent Living Skills:

Fortune College students have the opportunity to learn transferrable skills through working with the horses. This may include travel skills, cooking, managing finances, self-care and many other skills. This is achieved through activities working with horses and external activities accessing the local community.

Literacy and Numeracy:

Literacy and Numeracy are embedded throughout the FETH Course curriculum. Each pathway is individual to the student so they may focus on learning functional skills for everyday living, or may work towards an accredited NOCN qualification in mathematics or English from Entry Level 1 to Level 2. In addition to this individual 1:1 sessions and small group sessions are available.

Work Experience:

We offer a wide range of work experience placements throughout our local area, including catering, child care, hospitality, retail, canine and equine. Placements are chosen by the student based on their career aspirations and areas of interest.

Who can participate?

Young people with an Education Health Care Plan.

Cost:

Funded by local Authorities.