We know that when a young person joins our college, their whole family is part of the journey. That’s why we keep communication open, expectations clear and support consistent so you always feel informed and involved.
Below, you’ll find practical information about day-to-day life at Aspris College North Wales.
Our college day is structured to support focus, balance and wellbeing and good attendance is essential to provide the best education for our young people:
Unlike many traditional education establishments which see students swap classes/activities on an hourly basis, our young people follow bespoke timetables with day-long sessions in some instances, such as work placement. This helps to prepare them for the world of work, where they will spend the whole day focussing on one area.
We also recognise that transition from one aspect of the day to another can be a significant challenge. To support students with this, we build in periods of regulation to allow them to decompress.
Student Times of the Day (4 days a week)
9.00am – 9.15am Arrival and Regulation
9.15am – 10.30am Personalised Lesson 1
10.30am – 10.45am Break
10.45am – 11.45am Personalised Lesson 2
11.45am – 12.45pm Lunch
12.45pm – 1.45pm Personalised Lesson 3
1.45pm – 2.00pm Break
2.00pm – 3pm Personalised Lesson 4
The exact days will be shared with our young people and family/carer once a place has been allocated. These hours help young people manage their energy, build routine and still have time to rest or reflect at the end of the day.
College is open 5 days a week, with reception covered from 8:30am – 4:30pm.
We don’t have a compulsory uniform. Instead, students are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing that suits their needs.
We’ve learned that this flexible approach helps reduce anxiety and allows students to express themselves while feeling safe and ready to learn.
Students can either bring in their own lunch or buy from a local shop. Our café is open four days a week where students can purchase food. Students also have access to kettles, microwaves, and hobs if they need them.
• Secure storage: Young people are given access to a secure locker where they can store their personal items.
• Voicing opinions: All students are encouraged to share their opinions at student council meetings. They’re also asked to be active members of the college community and share their thoughts during their house group’s Power Hour.
• Leisurely lunch: We have a variety of lunchtime activities or we encourage students to start their own club if they have an interest in something specific.
• Communication: We want to work in partnership with you. You’ll receive regular updates about your child’s progress and wellbeing and we encourage you to talk to us whenever you need to check in.
Students travel to and from college in a variety of ways, depending on their individual needs and circumstances. Many students access college using local authority-funded transport, while others are accompanied by parents or carers or travel independently driving or using public transport. In some circumstances, the college may also be able to provide transport for students where there is an identified need and where places are available. As transport capacity is limited, eligibility is considered on an individual basis, taking into account factors such as student needs, travel arrangements and location. There is also a cost to parents / carers for this in line with our mainstream local colleges.
We work closely with families and transport providers to support safe and successful journeys, recognising that confidence in travelling is an important part of developing independence and preparing for adulthood. Our aim is to support learners to access college safely while developing the skills they need for greater independence in the future.
As part of our curriculum, we offer Independent Travel Training (ITT) as a structured programme of learning. This programme helps learners develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to travel safely and independently within their local community. Training may include journey planning, road safety, personal safety, using public transport, managing unexpected situations and building confidence when travelling. The programme is delivered in a supportive, person-centred and bespoke way, recognising that every learner progresses at their own pace and celebrating individual achievements along the way.
The college is well served by public transport. The nearest railway station is Wrexham General, providing connections across North Wales and beyond. Several bus services operate along or close to Croesnewydd Road, Rhyd Broughton Lane and Mold Road, offering convenient links from Wrexham town centre and surrounding communities. As bus routes and timetables can change, parents, carers and students should check with local bus operators or visit Traveline Cymru for the most up-to-date route and timetable information before travelling.
This combination of transport support and independent travel opportunities helps ensure that students can access college safely while developing valuable life skills that prepare them for adulthood, employment and participation in their local communities.
At our college, we are committed to helping students develop the knowledge, confidence and digital resilience they need to stay safe online. We recognise that technology, social media and online communication are an important part of everyday life, and we take a supportive, educational and non-judgemental approach to online safety. Through our curriculum and learner enrichment activities, students explore topics such as social media, online relationships, cyberbullying, gaming, misinformation, privacy, digital footprints, online exploitation and how to seek help if something online makes them feel worried or unsafe. Our approach is trauma-informed and reflects the individual needs of our students, helping them to build safe and positive online habits at their own pace. The Welsh Government's Hwb Keeping Safe Online resources highlight the importance of developing digital resilience and supporting young people to stay safe, secure and confident online.
We believe that online safety works best when college and home work together. Throughout the year, we share information and guidance with parents and carers, including updates about popular apps, social media platforms, online trends and emerging risks. We signpost families to trusted sources of advice and encourage open conversations about online experiences. Our staff receive annual online safety and safeguarding training to ensure that advice, teaching and support remain current and relevant. As a post-16 specialist college in Wales, we also draw on national resources, including Hwb, 360 Safe Cymru and other Welsh online safety guidance, to help create a safe and inclusive digital environment for all students.
The Prevent Duty forms part of our wider safeguarding responsibilities and aims to protect vulnerable individuals from being drawn into radicalisation, extremism or terrorism. At our college, we approach Prevent through a learner-centred, trauma-informed and strengths-based lens. We recognise that vulnerable young people may be influenced by a range of factors and that early support, trusted relationships and a sense of belonging are key protective factors. We promote respect, inclusion, critical thinking and positive discussion, helping learners to understand different viewpoints while developing the skills to question information safely and responsibly.
As a Welsh post-16 education provider, we meet our responsibilities under the Prevent Duty as part of our safeguarding arrangements. Staff receive annual Prevent and safeguarding training so they can recognise potential concerns, respond appropriately and seek support when needed. Any concerns are considered carefully and proportionately, with the welfare of the learner at the centre of decision-making. We work closely with relevant agencies where appropriate and ensure that staff, students, parents and carers know how to raise concerns. Our focus is always on providing support, reducing vulnerability and helping students feel safe, respected and included within our college community.
