Vocational Skills Centre

Developing Skills, Building Confidence, Creating Opportunities

At Oakfield School, we recognise that every young person has individual strengths, interests, needs, and aspirations. For some pupils, a practical, hands-on approach to learning can provide the most effective route to engagement, achievement, and future success.

Our Vocational Skills Centre is a purpose-built facility specifically designed to support SEND pupils following our Vocational Pathway. The Centre provides a personalised and supportive learning environment where pupils can develop practical skills, gain recognised qualifications and prepare for their next steps beyond school.

The Vocational Skills Centre is located on Station Road, Preston, next to Holderness Academy.

Our Vocational Pathway:

The Vocational Pathway has been developed to provide an alternative and personalised approach to education for pupils who may benefit from a curriculum that extends beyond the traditional classroom environment.

The Pathway can:

• Build on individual strengths and interests by providing practical and vocational learning opportunities that complement the wider curriculum.
• Promote engagement and inclusion by offering a learning environment and curriculum that are tailored to individual needs.
• Support improved attendance by providing meaningful, practical learning experiences and vocational choices that motivate and engage pupils.
• Reduce the need for part-time timetables by providing an appropriate and accessible curriculum that meets individual needs.
• Develop confidence, independence and employability skills through practical learning and real-world experiences.
• Prepare pupils for their next steps by supporting them to gain appropriate qualifications and develop the skills required for further education, vocational courses, apprenticeships, and employment.

Our Curriculum:

Our vocational curriculum is carefully tailored to meet the needs, strengths, and aspirations of our pupils. Within the Vocational Skills Centre, pupils have the opportunity to work towards recognised qualifications in Bricklaying and Joinery, developing practical skills that can provide a strong foundation for future vocational pathways.

Alongside their vocational studies, pupils continue to develop their core academic knowledge and wider personal skills through a broad and balanced curriculum, including:

• English
• Mathematics
• Bricklaying
• Joinery
• Outdoor Education
• Food Technology and Life Skills
• Physical Education and fitness, including access to our on-site gym facilities and Eastside Gym

This combination of academic, vocational and enrichment opportunities enables pupils to develop a wide range of skills while working towards meaningful qualifications.

Explore Our Curriculum

Click here to view a full overview of the course content and subjects available at the Vocational Skills Centre.

Preparing for the Future:

Our aim is to ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to experience success and develop a positive sense of achievement. Through practical learning, recognised qualifications and personalised support, pupils can build their confidence, independence and employability skills while developing a clearer understanding of their future aspirations.

For our Key Stage 4 pupils, the vocational pathway provides an important foundation for their next steps, whether that is progressing to a vocational course, further education, an apprenticeship, or employment.

At Oakfield School, we are committed to empowering pupils and creating opportunities. Our Vocational Skills Centre plays an important role in ensuring that pupils can access a curriculum that recognises their strengths, develops their potential and prepares them for life beyond school.