Corseford College Celebrates 2026 Graduates

Scotland's only dedicated college for complex needs students celebrates its second cohort

After another successful year, the latest cohort of students from Scotland's only college dedicated to young adults with complex needs have graduated.

Corseford College, based in Renfrewshire, has seen its second intake of students complete the programme, continuing the momentum from its first cohort last year and marking another major milestone in the students' educational journeys.

Among those graduating were: Alex Marshallsay, Ben Duncan, Callum Gaughan, Calum Rodgers, Calvin Lewis, Gary Leith, Gemma Greenaway, Kate Rose McClymont, Lewis McColgan and Patrick Sproat, all of whom received their certificates in front of friends and family, as well as local employers and community partners who supported them through work placements throughout the year.

Created and operated by Capability Scotland, Corseford College provides post-school education for 18 to 25-year-olds with complex needs who are often left behind by traditional systems.

Liz McConnachie, Head of College, said: “Watching our second cohort graduate is every bit as emotional and powerful as our first. These students have developed new skills, confidence and independence over the past three years and many have gone above and beyond in their work placements with local businesses and organisations.

“What's been particularly special this year is seeing the relationships our students have built with employers in the community, and the pride they've taken in the responsibilities they've been given.”

Demand for places at the college continues to grow year-on-year, with applications once again exceeding the number of spaces available, reflecting the ongoing appetite for specialist education that addresses a long-standing gap in Scotland.

This year's graduation also celebrated a growing partnership between the college and local employers. Throughout the academic year, students took part in regular volunteering and work placements, including weekly sessions at Renfrewshire Foodbank, monthly visits to the local Men's Shed to serve teas and coffees and support activities and ongoing responsibilities such as watering plants for neighbouring businesses in their building.

Holly Irvine, Assistant Manager at Renfrewshire Foodbank, said: “It's been lovely having the Corseford students with us. We've seen their confidence really grow - they're far more chatty and need much less support with their tasks now than when they started.

“It's an important part of our work, so it means a lot to have their contribution recognised at the graduation. One of the students is even thinking about coming back to volunteer with us, which shows just how much they've got out of the experience."

The college's holistic, person-first approach ensures that every student is supported by qualified educators and support staff, combining classroom learning with real-world engagement that builds confidence, independence and employability skills for life beyond the college.

Brian Logan, Chief Executive of Capability Scotland, said: “Seeing a second cohort of students graduate, building on the success of our first, shows that what we've created at Corseford College is sustainable, replicable and working. We continue to believe there is a clear and growing case for this model to be extended further.

“Our hope remains that more young people across Scotland will soon have access to this level of opportunity and support, and that the partnerships we're building with local employers can be a blueprint for other communities too.”

Following its 2025/26 grant offer letter from the Scottish Government, Corseford College continues to operate while discussions take place on sustainable funding for the years ahead.

For more information on the work of Capability Scotland and Corseford College, click here.

All images by Connor Mollison