Details for Commissioners
Open Road is a trusted partner in student support and re-engagement, we work WITH schools - not around them.
How Open Road Works
Watch our MD, Martin Slater, share insights into everything Open Road.
What We Offer
A trusted partner in student support and re-engagement
Open Road West Norfolk exists to work with schools — not around them. We were founded in response to a lack of local training options for young people at risk of exclusion, persistent absence, or becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). Today, we continue to support schools, MATs, and local authorities in delivering the shared goal of ensuring every young person has access to education that works for them.
We specialise in high-quality, vocational training in motor vehicle maintenance and construction, delivered in small groups with strong pastoral support. Our students often face barriers such as SEND, anxiety, or a history of disengagement. Through low staff-student ratios, personalised training plans, and a calm, supportive environment, we help them rebuild trust in education and rediscover their motivation to learn.
When reintegration into mainstream education is appropriate, we support that process. When it’s not, we ensure each student leaves Open Road with recognised qualifications (IMI or BTEC), personal growth, and a path forward — whether that’s college, training, or employment. Our newest offer includes an Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Awareness qualification, addressing real-world skills shortages and future-proofing students’ options.
We operate with a strong safeguarding ethos and robust partnership working. Referring schools and commissioners are kept fully informed, and we align all our processes with statutory safeguarding guidance and local authority frameworks to ensure consistency, safety, and accountability.
Case Studies and Outcomes
Discover how our alternative education and vocational training programmes have positively impacted young people who were excluded, at risk of exclusion, or disengaged from mainstream education.
Artjoms started off as a self-conscious student who didn’t always feel comfortable engaging in group tasks. He completed his first year with a pass, but unfortunately didn’t complete his second year.
After some time at Open Road, Artjoms came back to repeat Level 2 in September 2023 and he is now a highly competent member of the group. He has grown into a polite, confident plumbing student.
From struggling with the underpinning theory work last year, he now completes units without being asked.
Artjoms’ drive and motivation the last few months has been outstanding, and I am confident he will be a role model to future students who don’t have the best start at College. I hope he is as proud as we are.
- Kerry Heathcote
Deputy CEO / Vice Principal Curriculum & Quality College of West Anglia / University Centre West Anglia
Qualifications
We are an IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) and Pearson BTEC accredited centre offering qualifications in transport maintenance and construction industry training, predominantly for young people aged 14–16.
We also collaborate with the College of West Anglia to provide English and maths qualifications for our students.
We partner with local organisations to help students move on to further education, apprenticeships or full-time employment.
We work hard to accommodate our students’ individual needs. We offer flexible start and end dates, with attendance of one or two days per week depending on the needs of the young person.
Qualifications that we offer include:
IMI Level 1 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Automotive Maintenance
Who is it suitable for?
This engaging and motivating Vocationally Related Qualification (VRQ) is generally aimed at learners 16-19 years old who have a keen interest to learn about maintenance associated with vehicles and machinery used in the automotive sector; examples are:
- Light and heavy vehicle
- Motorcycle
- Land-based engineering including agricultural machinery, construction and plant-based machinery
- Leisure craft
About
This qualification consists of Group A Mandatory units and Group B Vehicle system units; both Group A Mandatory units and 2 Group B Vehicle System units need to be successfully completed to achieve this qualification.
Group A Mandatory Units:
- L1AM01 – Health and Safety in the Workplace
- L1AM02 – Tools, Equipment and Consumable Materials for Vehicle Maintenance
Group B Vehicle System Units:
- L1AM03 – Engine Operation and Components
- L1AM04 – Lubrication System Components and Maintenance
- L1AM05 – Engine Cooling System Components and Maintenance
- L1AM06 – Spark Ignition System Components and Maintenance
- L1AM07 – Spark Ignition Engine Fuel System Components and Maintenance
- L1AM08 – Compression Ignition Engine Fuel System Components and Maintenance
- L1AM09 – Exhaust System Components and Maintenance
- L1AM10 – Steering System Components and Maintenance
- L1AM11 – Suspension System Components and Maintenance
- L1AM12 – Braking System Components and Maintenance
- L1AM13 – Wheel and Tyre Construction and Maintenance
- L1AM14 – Vehicle Transmission System Components and Maintenance
- L1AM15 – Vehicle Electrical Circuits and Components
The units have been developed to provide flexibility for this qualification. Learners will develop their knowledge and skills in a mainly practical setting which will help them prepare for further studies in a variety of automotive industries or employment.
Progression
Learners can typically progress to a higher level of learning such as a Level 2 Certificate or Diploma and also supplement their progress to GCSEs and other appropriate destinations, such as apprenticeships and employment.
IMI Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Inspection
Who is it suitable for?
This knowledge and skills qualification (VRQ) is primarily designed to meet the needs of the young apprentice. It suits school & college students (and leavers) who wish to join the automotive industry.
About
It provides learners with the opportunity to study both the theory and practical aspects of a range of routine vehicle inspection, fitting and maintenance procedures:
- Routine light vehicle maintenance, including engine systems.
- Inspecting, repairing and replacing light vehicle: standard and high performance tyres.
- Carrying out light vehicle four wheel alignment.
- Inspecting and replacing light vehicle: exhaust components, suspension dampers & springs, vehicle batteries and braking systems & components.
- Learners also gain a broad knowledge and understanding of health and safety in the workplace, agreeing customer vehicle needs and other skills associated with working in a garage.
Progression
This qualification offers the opportunity for progression onto:
- a full IMI SSC L2 Apprenticeship – or one of its component qualifications, e.g. a L2 Light Vehicle Technical Certificate
- a Vocational Competence Qualification (VCQ) for those who are employed.
Assessment
The assessment is made up of two components:
- Practical tasks
- Online testing
Pearson BTEC Level 1 Introductory Award, Certificate and Diploma in Construction
These qualifications prepare learners for further learning at a higher level in construction, giving learners the opportunity to develop a range of skills in the construction sector and supporting progression on to further study.
The Award is suitable for learners studying part time or for those who want an introduction to a vocational qualification alongside other qualifications and activities as part of their study programme.
The Certificate is suitable for learners studying part time or for those who wish to study a vocational qualification alongside other qualifications and activities as part of their study programme.
The Diploma is twice the size of the Certificate and will form a substantial element of a learner’s study programme. By providing a broader sector experience the Diploma will suit learners who have a clear indication of the sector they wish to study further. The Diploma encourages learners to take on some individual research, enabling them to be further prepared for higher-level learning.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about enrolment and our educational programmes:
How can I refer a student to Open Road West Norfolk?
Referring a Student to Open Road
We welcome referrals for young people who may benefit from an alternative educational environment and practical skills training.
Who Can Refer:
Referrals can be made by schools, local authorities, support agencies, parents/carers, or the young person themselves (with appropriate support).
Referral Process:
- Initial Enquiry: Contact us to discuss the student’s needs and check availability.
- Referral Form: Complete and submit our referral form, available upon request
- Visit and Interview: We invite the student and referring party to visit our centre, meet the team, and discuss suitable programmes.
- Placement Offer: If appropriate, a place will be offered and start dates agreed, subject to funding arrangements.
- Induction: All students complete an induction covering health and safety, expectations, and support available.
Contact Us:
To make a referral or learn more about our programmes, please contact:
Email: office@openroadtraining.co.uk
Phone: 01553 776600
Website: www.openroadtraining.co.uk
What ages of students do you support?
Who We Support:
We work with young people aged 13–19 (and up to 24 for those with an EHCP), particularly those:
- At risk of exclusion or disengagement from mainstream education
- Who are home-educated and seeking practical learning opportunities
- Who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training)
- With additional needs requiring a more tailored, hands-on approach
Do you offer full-time programmes?
Ofsted Registration and Study Commitment
Open Road is not Ofsted-registered, as we are not a full-time education provider. Instead, we operate as an alternative education provision, offering part-time vocational training to support the broader education and development of young people.
We provide students with a maximum of two days of study per week. This flexible model is designed to complement existing education plans—whether students are enrolled in school, home-educated, or working with other providers. Our programmes are structured to deliver meaningful, hands-on learning experiences without replacing a full-time curriculum.
This setup allows us to focus on providing high-quality, practical skills training in motor vehicle studies, construction, and engineering, while still supporting the individual learning needs and pathways of each student.
If you are unsure how a placement with Open Road fits into a young person’s education plan, our team is happy to advise.
How do you measure success?
1. Student Progress and Qualifications
We track each student’s progress through accredited qualifications in motor vehicle studies and construction. Achievements at Level 1 and Level 2 (where applicable) are a strong indicator of engagement and learning success.
2. Attendance and Engagement
Improved attendance and sustained engagement with our courses often reflect a significant turnaround for students who may have struggled in traditional settings. Regular attendance is a key success indicator.
3. Personal Development
We assess personal growth, including improvements in:
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Communication and teamwork
- Behaviour and attitude towards learning
These soft skills are vital for long-term success in education, employment, and life.
4. Positive Destinations
A key outcome is where students go next. Success includes:
- Returning to or staying in mainstream education
- Securing apprenticeships or employment
- Progressing to further training or college
We maintain contact with many students to track these outcomes.
5. Feedback from Stakeholders
We regularly seek feedback from students, parents, schools, and partner organisations. Their insights help us evaluate the quality and impact of our provision.
6. Case Studies and Testimonials
Real stories from students who have turned their lives around at Open Road are powerful demonstrations of our impact. These qualitative outcomes complement our formal data and are shared (with consent) in reports and communications.
By combining formal qualifications, personal development, and positive next steps, we ensure our measure of success reflects the real, lasting change we aim to make in each young person’s life.