Downs View Life Skills College
URN: 146089 • Brighton BN1 8XR
Overview
- Name
- Downs View Life Skills College
- URN
- 146089
- Type
- Special post 16 institution
- Phase
- Not applicable
- Status
- Open
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious
- Does not apply
- Admissions
- Trust
- Private
- No
- Ofsted rating
- Requires improvement
- Ranking score
- 48.7 / 100
Leadership & Contact
- Headteacher
- Vanessa Hickey (since 2025)
- Telephone
- 01273551028
- Website
- Visit
- Address
- 7 Old London Road, Brighton BN1 8XR
Summary
Downs View Life Skills College (DVLSC) is a specialist post-16 institution located in Brighton, catering to young people aged 19-25 with Education Health and Care (EHC) plans. The college focuses on providing education and support for students with a range of complex needs, including profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and severe learning difficulties (SLD), as well as additional challenges such as sensory needs and Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
The college's curriculum is designed around the 'Preparation for Adulthood' framework, emphasizing key life skills in areas such as employment, independent living, relationships, and health. This person-centred approach aims to equip students with the confidence and skills necessary to lead fulfilling lives and, where possible, transition into the workforce.
Under the leadership of Executive Headteacher Vanessa Hickey, DVLSC fosters a strong ethos of care and commitment among staff, ensuring that all learners are supported to achieve their best outcomes. The college encourages community engagement and welcomes visits from prospective students and their families to learn more about the educational opportunities available.
The college's curriculum is designed around the 'Preparation for Adulthood' framework, emphasizing key life skills in areas such as employment, independent living, relationships, and health. This person-centred approach aims to equip students with the confidence and skills necessary to lead fulfilling lives and, where possible, transition into the workforce.
Under the leadership of Executive Headteacher Vanessa Hickey, DVLSC fosters a strong ethos of care and commitment among staff, ensuring that all learners are supported to achieve their best outcomes. The college encourages community engagement and welcomes visits from prospective students and their families to learn more about the educational opportunities available.
Useful links
- Phone (other)
- Home (other)
- About Us (other)
- Accountability (other)
- College Hours and Term Dates (other)
- Our Admissions Policy (other)
- Our Aims and Intent (other)
- Our Policies (other)
- Our Team (other)
Nearby alternatives
- Hill Park School (66.2)
- Downs View Special School (60.7)
- St. John's College (Brighton) (60.2)
- University of Brighton (60.2)
- The Connected Hub (56.0)
Key details
- LA
- Brighton and Hove
- Age range
- 19 - 25
- Boarders
- No boarders
- Sixth form
- Not applicable
- Trust
- Capacity
- 50
- Pupils
- Boys
- Girls
- FSM %
- Open date
- Close date
- Last Ofsted
- 2023-05-11
- Next inspection
- Data snapshot
- 2025-07-14
- County
- East Sussex
Trends
| Date | Pupils | Boys | Girls | Capacity | FSM% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-14 | 50 | ||||
| 2024-09-11 | 50 | ||||
| 2023-09-11 | 50 | ||||
| 2022-09-11 | 50 | ||||
| 2021-09-11 | 50 | ||||
| 2020-09-11 |
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