Independence Training Facilities
Open Events
Our Independence Training Facility Open Event Dates For 2025/2026
Our Independence Training Facilities students stay overnight from Sunday through to Friday, returning home over weekends and college holidays.
What You Can Learn At The Centres
During their time at the centres, students develop skills for independent living. This includes cleaning, cooking, washing and learning how to use public transport.
We plan individual learning programmes with each student. We encourage students to work on these during their time at home
Learn Independent Living Skills
Brislington: 0117 377 1990
Ashley Down: 0117 312 5880
Students Will Learn To:
- Plan and prepare healthy meals
- Launder clothes
- Shop for food and other essentials
- Maintain personal hygiene
- Manage a food budget
- Plan a journey and use public transport
- Stay safe and healthy. For example, learning to use household appliances
Develop Employability
Students Will Learn About:
- Communication (suitable for the workplace)
- Remembering instructions
- Being punctual and travel planning
Gain Work Experience
Students Will Have:
- The opportunity to take part in work experience
- Support from staff at the house and at college
Socialise
Students Will Have The Opportunity To:
- Work on projects with fellow college students.
- Visit friends and family in Bristol (from the house).
- Participate in social activities at the house and in the community.
Centres for Independent Living
City of Bristol College is proud to offer two dedicated Centres for Independent Living, providing high-quality residential training environments for students with additional needs. The Brislington Centre and the Ashley Down Centre demonstrate our strong commitment to inclusive education and allow us to support more learners through tailored, specialist provision in supportive residential settings.
Both centres offer structured environments where students can develop essential independent living skills alongside their full-time studies. With guidance from experienced staff, students build confidence, independence and practical life skills in a safe and supportive setting, helping them prepare for adult life beyond college.
The Brislington Centre For Independent Living
The Brislington Centre is a residential, independent living training facility in Bristol that supports students with additional needs who are currently enrolled on a full-time course with us.
Our Brislington Centre has capacity for 13 students.
40 School Road, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 4NN
The Brislington Centre is a space that contains all the facilities residents need in order to live independently.
The grounds are approximately one acre. They include a polytunnel and outdoor classroom where the students work on their own kitchen garden.
We have a number of raised planting beds across the garden. We are planning an accessible walkway and an orchard to make use of the full garden area.
The Brislington Centre For Independent Living – Main House
The Brislington Centre For Independent Living – Eco Living Pods
The Ashley Down Centre For Independent Living
The Ashley Down Centre for Independent Living is our second residential, independent living training facility in Bristol that supports students with additional needs who are currently enrolled on a full-time course with us.
Our Ashley Down Centre has capacity for 12 students.
Ashley Down Centre, Ashley Down Road, Bristol, BS7 9BU
Get In Touch
We’d love to hear from you.
Adam Metcalfe – Strategic Residential Lead
adam.metcalfe@cityofbristol.ac.uk
Connor Kingdon – Independence Training Facility Manager (Brislington Centre)
connor.kingdon@cityofbristol.ac.uk
Patrycja Wojtowicz – Independence Training Facility Manager (Ashley Down Centre)
patrycja.wojtowicz@cityofbristol.ac.uk
Apply To Be An Independence Training Facility Resident
Who Can Apply For The Independence Training Facilities?
- Students must have an Educational, Health and Care Plan
- Students must be aged 18-24 years old
- Students must have an address within the Bristol City Council area
- Students must have completed at least one year of study at the City of Bristol College
All four of these criteria must be met in order to apply.
If you would like to be considered for a place, please complete the application form below.
Videos For Residents
We’ve made some videos to help you with some independent living, daily tasks at the Brislington centre.
You can explore all videos on our YouTube channel.
