At Market Field College we believe in changing lives; affording our learners the skills, knowledge and confidence to successfully shape their own futures and lead a life of opportunity.

We have recently partnered with Phoenix Homes Colchester (PHC) to construct an independent living initiative for our students. In February 2023, our first student group moved into their new home on a three-year tenancy; a fully equipped three-bedroom property in the Colchester area.

As part of the transition, students have received support around budgeting, accessing community resources, developing independent living skills, social and emotional adjustment. Once established, students will continue to receive advice and guidance through the care and support service, Peabody.

We very much hope that this first initiative will pave the way for further opportunities, enabling more of our young people to follow increasingly independent lives.

Our first major project saw us working with The Big Green Internet to plant 46,024 trees between December 2021 and April 2022. We have one full time team member, our horticulture team leader who oversees the work on a day to day basis. We currently employ seven young people with a learning disability, autism and ADHD. Each day we have a team of two alongside our team leader who undertake tree planting to create hedgerows and wildlife corridors; connecting existing woodland. We plant up to 800 whips per day.