Neurodivergent young people can now access countryside and wildlife qualifications in Oldham, thanks to a new local partnership.
Independent specialist education provider Pinc Woodlands College is opening its fourth campus to date at Northern Roots, a 160-acre urban farm and eco park in Oldham, Greater Manchester. The new site is now welcoming neurodivergent young people aged 16–24 with an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan), offering places on Level 2 and Level 3 diplomas in Wildlife and Countryside specialisms, with enrolment as early as December 2026.
The stunning Northern Roots site stretches for a mile and a half and provides students with an unrivalled real-world learning environment of woodland, grasslands, wildlife, and horticultural facilities. Projects at other Pinc Woodlands campuses have included building sensory gardens, rewilding initiatives, and dead hedging.
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-life work experience. Alongside vocational learning and personal and social development, students can improve their maths and English skills if they have not previously achieved these qualifications.
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 Pinc Woodlands College 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 and partners to create activities that help students build confidence, independence and communication skills, and provide practical knowledge required by the industry.
Current Pinc Woodlands students include Peter. After struggling to find the right support in a mainstream setting, Peter enrolled at the college in September 2025. Since he began working towards his Level 2 City & Guilds qualification, Peter has grown in confidence and independence, developed friendships, and even passed his driving test – a significant personal milestone.
Reflecting on his experience, Peter said: “Pinc Woodlands has helped me feel more included through practical, work-based activities and helped me feel at ease when I struggle with my mental health and dyslexia.”
Parents of former students have also highlighted the positive impact of teaching, saying: “Knowing your child is happy where he is going and being 100% confident his needs are being sensitively met makes an enormous difference to a parent’s mental well-being. The impact is huge and affects the whole family in a positive way.”
Find out more at the Pinc Woodlands Taster Day for prospective students at Northern Roots, Oldham (OL8 2BJ) on 18 November from 10am-2pm. Students can enrol now for study programmes starting this December - perfect for young people who may have missed the September intake.
Taster Days are a relaxed, no-pressure opportunity to find out more about life at Pinc Woodlands College. Students can explore this vibrant new campus at their own pace, speak with the friendly team, and learn more about the hands-on qualifications available to 16–24-year-olds with an EHCP.
To book a free taster day place, fill in the form at www.pincwoodlands.co.uk/taster-day or email connect@pincwoodlands.co.ukfor more details.