Navigators Expands Wythenshawe Campus to Increase Alternative Education and SEND Support in Greater Manchester

The expanded campus now brings together Navigators’ full range of education provision under one roof, including its 121 Pre-16 programme for young people whose needs are not being met in mainstream education and its 121 Post-16 specialist college provision for learners with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). It also includes two key specialist services: Atlas, a highly specialised learning environment for young people with complex needs and disabilities, and NESTA (Navigators Education Skills and Training Academy), a vocational training centre designed to help learners prepare for employment, further education and independent living.

Originally opened in March 2025, the Wythenshawe Hub has grown rapidly in response to increasing demand for specialist education provision and personalised learning pathways. The full 17,000 sq ft site has now been transformed into a dedicated campus supporting young people whose needs may not be met through traditional education settings.

Vocational Training and Employment Pathways

Wythenshawe’s NESTA provides vocational education for young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), whose needs are best met through a personalised, practical approach to learning. Through personalised mentoring, coaching and practical, employment-focused learning, the programme helps young people build confidence, develop independence and prepare for their next steps.

NESTA offers a safe and supportive environment where learners develop essential life skills while working towards the four key Preparation for Adulthood outcomes: Employment, Independent Living, Health, and Friends, Family and Community. The vocational curriculum supports the employability element with dedicated training spaces for vehicle maintenance, construction, sport & fitness, and health & social care, helping learners to develop practical skills in working environments.

The programme supports progression into employment, apprenticeships, further education and training, while helping reduce the risk of young people becoming not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Specialist SEND Support Through Atlas

Alongside the Wythenshawe NESTA, Atlas has been created to support young people with SEND, complex needs and disabilities who require highly personalised educational and therapeutic support.

Delivered by a multidisciplinary team of therapists, SEND practitioners and specialist support staff, the provision focuses on communication, wellbeing, independence and preparation for adulthood. Learners benefit from personalised programmes tailored to their individual needs, including sensory-informed approaches and specialist communication methods such as PECS, which uses pictures to support communication, and Makaton, which combines signs, symbols and speech.

Since opening, learners have made progress across communication, literacy, numeracy, social development and independent living skills, helping them build confidence both in education and everyday life.

Meeting Growing Demand for Alternative Education

The expansion reflects growing demand for alternative provision and specialist SEND support across Greater Manchester, as more schools, families and local authorities seek personalised education that help young people, whose needs are not being met in mainstream sector or other specialist organisations, achieve positive outcomes.

Anthony Thompson, CEO of Navigators, said:

“The speed of expansion we’ve seen in Wythenshawe shows just how much our specialist and personalised provision is needed. In a short space of time, we’ve gone from a single learning centre to a full campus supporting young people with a wide range of needs.

“Bringing together specialist SEND provision and vocational education allows us to create more opportunities for young people to gain confidence, develop skills and prepare for adulthood. We’re proud of the impact we’re already making and excited to support even more young people across Greater Manchester. There’s dozens of stories to tell from the young people attending Wythenshawe already… It’s a privilege to see students that were in many cases not attending any education setting at all thrive in our purpose built campus.”

Located on Ledson Road in Wythenshawe, the expanded campus represents another step in Navigators’ mission to provide high-quality alternative education and specialist support that helps young people build positive futures.