SML College

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from SML College, Nonprofit Organization, Gardner Road, Fishersgate, Brighton and Hove.

11/07/2025

As we come to the end of this chapter, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey over the past 24 years — students, staff, supporters and friends of the College.

This isn’t goodbye, just the start of a new evolution. Wishing all our current students every success as they continue to grow and flourish. ✨

Here’s a message from our founder, Ian Cunningham…

11/06/2025

It is with great regret that we announce the closure of SML College from the end of this academic year. We are devastated at having to do this and distressed that we cannot continue supporting young people in the College that has been so successful in doing so for 24 years.

Despite the proven success of the Self Managed Learning approach for more than 40 years, a combination of factors, on the local, national and sectorial levels, mainly related to financial stressors and to new legislations, led to the current operational form of the College’s working not being sustainable anymore. With the support of the Trustees, the Director consulted on improvements to the working of the College so that we could secure its future. It has recently been established that these improvements cannot be implemented and the Director has consequently resigned. This is supported by Trustees.

Therefore, we cannot re-open in September in these circumstances. We will offer whatever help we can for current students and parents. We are saddened to have been forced into this decision and we are very upset to be in this position.
Self Managed Learning College has helped hundreds of young people over the years to have an education that has equipped them for fulfilling lives and careers. The approach has proved its worth having also been researched by four universities. It is heartbreaking that we cannot continue this work in our current location.

09/06/2025

Important Update: Open Day Cancelled

Unfortunately, tonight’s Open Day at SML College has been cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Tracy in the office: [email protected]

24/05/2025

Imagine a place where young people are treated with respect, where their voices are heard, and where learning is shaped around their interests and aspirations.

That’s what we offer at SML College - a small, supportive learning community where students feel safe, seen and inspired to grow.

22/05/2025

At SML College, we do learning differently.

We believe in supporting each young person as an individual - helping them discover their passions, build confidence, and thrive in a nurturing environment that values curiosity, creativity and personal growth.

Whether it's through hands-on learning, project-based work or self-directed study, our students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning in a way that’s meaningful to them.

15/05/2025

SMLC learners come up with so many clever and unique ideas - with many taking their ideas one step further and actually making them a reality!

Keon (a member of our PM Learning Community) has been working on his own folding chair design, with support from our Learning Advisor, Lars.

As you can see, this is still a work in progress with the padding and other aspects to complete, but an impressive project so far. Great stuff, Keon!

12/05/2025

FINAL WEEK! Early Bird Ends Friday
Save £50 on our empowering summer programme for young people aged 11–15 👇

🌟 Your Life in Your Hands – Summer 2025 🌟
11th–15th August | SML College, Fishersgate
Just £200 if you register by Friday 16th May (normally £250)

This is not your average summer club.
It’s a chance for young people to step back, reimagine their learning journey, and build a future that’s truly their own.

🔹 Learn how YOU learn best
🔹 Discover your passions & talents
🔹 Build real-world skills — from creativity to career planning
🔹 Meet inspiring mentors & like-minded peers
🔹 End the week proud, confident & ready for what’s next

Places are limited — and filling fast. Don't miss the chance to be part of something genuinely life-changing.

Email [email protected] to request a registration form
Learn more: https://smlcollege.org.uk/key-information/your-life-in-your-hands-summer-school-2025/

Early bird ends Friday — secure your spot now and save £50!

09/05/2025

We were thrilled to welcome the brilliant Robin Ince – author, comedian, podcaster, radio presenter and co-host of BBC Radio 4’s The Infinite Monkey Cage – to SML College this Wednesday.
Robin generously spent time with both our morning and afternoon groups, sharing his poetry, stories, and thoughtful insights. Huge thanks to Robin for visiting!

01/05/2025

The sun is shining, and so is the SML Garden! A huge thank you to the wonderful Wendy and our amazing volunteers who’ve started bringing summertime back to life in the garden and courtyard.

30/04/2025

Do you ever feel like traditional schooling just isn’t meeting your child’s needs?
This webinar is for parents who want to explore a more supportive, tailored approach to education for their neurodivergent young person.

We’ll cover:
✅ The Value of Difference. Why neurodivergent modes should be valued.
✅ Understanding Learning Differences: Neurodivergent minds and why conventional school methods often fail them.
✅ Flexible Learning Approaches: Discover alternatives to rigid curricula that empower children to learn in their own way.
✅ The Five Questions Method: A powerful tool to help young people take ownership of their learning.
✅ 57 Ways to Learn: Explore diverse learning opportunities - many of which are free and highly effective.
✅ How to Communicate Effectively: The best ways to support and engage neurodivergent learners.
✅ Creating a Supportive Environment: Developing the conditions at home or in alternative settings where neurodivergent children can truly thrive.

Tuesday 6 May - 7:30–8:30 PM GMT - Live on Zoom + recording

Plus, use code FRIENDS50 for 50% off your ticket this week only.

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1258234757029?aff=oddtdtcreator

Give your child the tools — and the understanding — they need to learn with confidence.

29/04/2025

This summer, step outside the ordinary and discover your potential in a week filled with creativity, exploration, and real-life skills.

At SML College, we do things differently.
You'll join inspiring workshops, work on personal projects, and build a plan for your future — all in a supportive, self-managed learning environment.

✅ Small group learning
✅ Inspiring guest speakers
✅ Career and creative workshops
✅ Free flow time to follow your passions
✅ End-of-week Expo to showcase your achievements

11th – 15th August 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (refreshments from 9:30 AM)
SML College, Fishersgate
Ages 11–15
£250 for the week (£200 early bird if paid by 15th May)
Places are limited — don’t miss out!

Learn more via our website - https://smlcollege.org.uk/key-information/your-life-in-your-hands-summer-school-2025/

Email us at [email protected] to request a registration form.

28/04/2025

🌟 We’re Hiring! 🌟
Two exciting new permanent roles have opened at The Centre for Self Managed Learning, Sussex – a truly unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering learning community.

✨ Do you believe that every young person should be able to find their own voice, and be supported to find their own way to learn, in a safe and inclusive community?
✨ Do you believe that learning looks different for every one of us, but that it should always be enjoyable and authentic?
✨ Do you want to be part of changing education?

We’re looking for full-time mentors to join our team from September 2025, supporting young people aged 9–17 to manage their own learning journeys – with no imposed curriculum, no classrooms, and no rigid timetables.

At SML, you’ll be part of a compassionate, inclusive community where young people are trusted, respected and empowered – and where you’ll have the chance to bring your own passions and talents into your work.

🔹 Permanent, full-time (0.9 FTE) with flexible part-time options available
🔹 Salary: £30,600 (0.9 FTE)
🔹 Based near Brighton, Sussex
🔹 Start Date: August 2025
🔹 Deadline to apply: 20th May 2025

This is not a teaching role. It’s a mentoring position that places relationships, emotional intelligence, and learner autonomy at its heart.

If you’re ready to support young people to become empowered, curious, self-directed learners — we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more and apply: https://smlcollege.org.uk/were-hiring-sml-mentor/
If you have questions please contact Carmel at [email protected]

Address

Gardner Road, Fishersgate
Brighton And Hove
BN411PN

Website

http://www.smlcollege.org.uk/

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