New Education Partnership Announces Countryside and Wildlife Qualifications for Neurodivergent Young People

An innovative partnership is creating new pathways into countryside and wildlife education for neurodivergent young people in Greater Manchester.

Independent specialist education provider Pinc Woodlands College has opened its fourth campus to date at Northern Roots, a 160-acre urban farm and eco park in Oldham. The new campus gives neurodivergent young people aged 16–24 with an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) the opportunity to study Level 2 and Level 3 diplomas in Wildlife and Countryside specialisms.

Equivalent to A Levels, the Level 3 qualifications offer an alternative pathway to university, apprenticeships, and green careers. Students can also progress to a Supported Internship in their final year, gaining valuable real-world work experience.

This stunning countryside setting, with woodland, grasslands, wildlife, and horticultural facilities, will provide students with an unrivalled real-world learning environment. Northern Roots stretches for a mile and a half from Oldham’s Alexandra Park down to the River Medlock, where it overlooks the foothills of the Peak District.

Projects at other Pinc Woodlands campuses have included building sensory gardens, dead-hedging, and rewilding initiatives. Alongside vocational learning, students can develop their maths and English skills if they have not previously achieved these qualifications. Courses also embed personal and social development to build confidence and broader life skills.

Lisa Alberti, Founder and CEO at Pinc explained:

“We’re thrilled to be bringing Pinc Woodlands College to Northern Roots. There’s a huge range of opportunities in the green sector, alongside a growing need for new skills and talent. We want to open up those pathways to our students and help them discover careers they may not have previously considered.

“Having a college campus in such a fantastic natural environment gives our students a valuable opportunity to put their learning into practice. But our care for them extends beyond their studies and wellbeing. We’re equally focused on helping them build the skills, confidence and experience to progress to university and employment across conservation, wildlife, forestry, horticulture and ecology. We want every student to see what might be possible for their future.”

Anna De Silva, Northern Roots Founder and CEO, added that the Pinc Woodlands provision is “a brilliant addition to our Northern Roots community, a great opportunity for local young people, and a key pillar of our emerging learning and youth offer.”

Student wellbeing is at the heart of the Pinc Woodlands approach. Small-group teaching and personalised learning plans reflect each young person’s needs, aspirations and preferred ways of learning. There are no uniforms or dress codes to ensure individuality is celebrated, and flexible timetables, regular breaks, visual planners, and clear session goals help students feel comfortable and supported.

Teaching is hands-on and project-based, giving young people the chance to explore their own interests and learn in ways that work best for them. Pinc Woodlands College also works with local employers to create activities that help students build confidence, independence and communication skills, and provide the practical knowledge required by industry.

A Pinc Woodlands Taster Day is being held for prospective students at Northern Roots, Oldham (OL8 2BJ) on 18 November from 10am-2pm. Students who may have missed the September intake can enrol now for study training starting this December.

Students can explore the new campus, speak with staff, and learn more about the hands-on qualifications available. To book a place at the event, fill in the taster days form on the Pinc Woodlands website.