The Power of Specialist Further Education

What is The Power of Specialist Further Education (FE)?

The Power of Specialist FE is a national campaign running from 1st–5th December 2025, shining a spotlight on the transformative impact of specialist further education. Coordinated by Natspec, ROC’s membership association, this awareness week celebrates the life‑changing difference specialist FE makes for learners, families, and communities. Read more here.

Why is it important?

Specialist FE delivers measurable improvements in independence, employment and wellbeing for SEND learners and strengthens local communities. We’re calling on policy makers and decision takers to recognise the value of specialist FE and its essential place within an inclusive education system.

Dr Perdita Mousley, Principal of ROC, said:
“The need to support young adults with special educational needs has never been greater, and by supporting the National Power of Specialist Education Week, we hope to highlight the important role Rotherham Opportunities College plays in helping to equip young people with special educational needs with the skills to live as independently as possible, as they prepare for adulthood.”

Networking

Our student council are set to join an online meeting with a number of other specialist college’s to share our story. One of our students has also written an amazing poem about ROC that will be shared. Read the poem here. In addition, our Head of Quality and Curriculum will be speaking at an online forum about ROC’s role as a specialist FE provider and sharing reflections on our recent experience with Ofsted’s new pilot inspections.

ROC Pop-up shop

On Tuesday 2nd December, come along to the ROC Café at Ulley Country Park where we will be serving a seasonal menu of turkey and stuffing sandwiches, mince pie and alcohol-free mulled wine! For one day only, our ROC Pop-up Shop will also be open, offering ROC Calendars, ROC Merch, Christmas Cards and Festive Treats, perfect for gifts or a seasonal pick me up.

Mayor of Rotherham visits ROC

ROC will welcome the Mayor of Rotherham for a special visit during Specialist FE Awareness Week. The Mayor will meet with staff and students to hear first-hand about the impact of specialist further education and to discuss the national campaign, The Power of Specialist FE.

Community Engagement

Our students are championing a safer, more accessible Rotherham by speaking directly with the public about positive changes that can make the town welcoming for everyone. As part of this community engagement, they’ll be sharing ideas on safety and accessibility, while also showing gratitude to local businesses and partners whose generous donations continue to support ROC’s work.

Employer & Alumni Workshops

We’re welcoming employers to deliver workshops on employability skills, giving our students and interns the chance to learn directly from supportive businesses and gain workplace insights. Alongside this, ROC alumni will join us to share their journeys after college, highlighting how ROC helped them build skills, confidence and strong foundations for the future. Together, these sessions showcase the power and lasting impact of specialist further education.

Christmas Tree light switch-on

ROC is proud to be adopting Meadowhall Train Station this festive season by placing a Christmas tree there for the community. For just £1, people can add a wish to a student‑decorated snowman ornament on the tree, turning it into a symbol of hope and kindness. The official switch‑on will take place on 5th December, with our students joining to celebrate and share the spirit of the season.