The Orpheus Centre

Who we are

The Orpheus Centre is a specialist independent college based in Godstone, Surrey, welcoming students from across the country.

We support young disabled adults, aged 18-25, who are passionate about the arts, to achieve their potential and work towards a more independent life.

Set up by musician and songwriter Sir Richard Stilgoe, Orpheus offers personalised study, supported housing and personal care, all on the same site.

During their three years of study at Orpheus, students develop their creativity, gain formal qualifications, and learn independence, life and employability skills for the future.

We are proud to work with many partner organisations to enable students to share their skills with those outside the college, through diverse opportunities such as outreach projects, performances, exhibitions and work placements.

Orpheus is a registered charity and we rely on your support to make our life-changing work with young disabled people possible. Places at the college are local authority funded but in order to develop our site and continue providing activities and opportunities we must raise around £1 million per year.

It is thanks to donations and corporate support that we can fund large-scale projects such as our outdoor gym and multi-use games area.

Who we are

Orpheus believes that disabled people should have the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers. We aim to equip young disabled people with the skills and confidence they need in order to live independent and fulfilling lives.

Vision

Our vision is of an inclusive world where young people with disabilities, a passion for the performing arts and a desire to live and work independently can achieve their aspirations.

Mission

To inspire and empower young disabled students to live fulfilling, independent lives.

Our Ethos

At Orpheus we use the arts as a vehicle to promote learning and personal development. We teach a diverse curriculum that covers the arts, independence and employment skills. We offer a range of qualifications working with awarding bodies such as Ascentis, Trinity College, LAMDA and the London College of Music, as well as outreach programmes. Students learn a variety of skills, from cooking and personal finances to accessing the community and managing personal support.

We work closely with each of our students to enable them to transition successfully from full time education into adult life. We support our students to think about what kind of life they would like to have when they leave Orpheus and an important part of this process are our work experience and transition programmes. Team Teach, Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and restraint are not available at Orpheus.

Patron

Our Royal Patron is HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KCVO.