Ruskin Mill College

Ruskin Mill College in Gloucestershire is one of three independent specialist further education colleges operated by Ruskin Mill Trust, providing Practical Skills Therapeutic Education for young people aged 16 to 25 years who have a range of learning difficulties, including autistic spectrum disorders and behaviours that challenge.

Situated in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, with over 100 acres of beautiful wooded valley, fishery and farmland, Ruskin Mill College has a biodynamic/organic farm, two market gardens, an organically run trout farm, and a large area of sustainable woodland, which provide opportunities for learning activities in a wide range of practical skills, land-based and traditional crafts.

Ruskin Mill College is also a centre for cultural development; the Ruskin Mill Arts and Craft Centre hosts exhibitions and public workshops as well as having its own organic coffee shop, which is open to the public.

Through engagement with a rich and varied curriculum involving practical land-based and traditional craft activities such as felting, leatherwork, basket weaving, pottery, green woodwork, iron age forging, animal husbandry, fish farming, woodland management, gardening, catering, hospitality, and art and drama - students have the opportunity to increase their self esteem and to develop skills in communication, numeracy, literacy, ICT, team-building, work competence, employability, and independent living.

Ruskin Mill College also operates a new provision, Plas Dwbl, a 100 acre farm in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Plas Dwbl will offer a pioneering experience, both for existing Ruskin Mill College students and new students from Wales, and a curriculum rich in land work, animal husbandry, gardening and forestry, as well as the ancillary crafts that support the operation of the farm.