AN INDEPENDENT college for students with learning difficulties and disabilities from Torfaen has featured in an educational report, receiving praise from Estyn.

The Priory College South Wales, which is located at the Coleg Gwent Pontypool Campus facility, was one of six colleges to appear in the findings.

Students who attend the college are aged from 16-25 years-old, with post-school education for pupils who are recognised within the autistic disorder spectrum and associated conditions.

“Independent specialist colleges play an important role in providing education and training for young adults who have learning difficulties and disabilities,” said Meilyr Rowlands, the chief inspector.

“Our evidence shows variable practice in the way learner progress is monitored and tracked, and the extent to which learners are prepared for the transition to further education or supported employment. "

He said: "This report identifies the best practice in Wales and provides clear recommendations for colleges to address.”

The report was undertaken by Estyn, the education and training inspectorate in Wales, which monitors educational practices across

The Gwent centre belongs to the Priory Group, and the staff from both centres were praised for their work at the colleges.

“In both Priory Colleges, staff plan well to reduce over time the amount of support they provide to learners on their main college programmes,” the report stated.

“They reduce the level of support over the time of the course to enable learners to cope more independently when they progress to advanced further education courses or to university.

“Where required, they teach learners how to travel safely to college sites and consolidate this with safe travel in social settings such as shopping and evenings out.”

The report also stated that the six colleges referenced in the document should look into the ways they can work with the learners to clarify their future goals on completion of the course.

In addition to its intake of students with learning difficulties and disabilities, the college offers specialist vocational training areas such as construction and beauty salons, which are open to the public.