Details for Parents & Carers
“Since being at Open Road, I feel S has started to grow into the adult I knew he could become. I thank you for helping us achieve that by giving him this opportunity, I’m very proud of S. I know he also is truly thankful. He speaks so highly of you.”
- Parent Testimonial
How Open Road Works
Watch our MD, Martin Slater, share insights into everything Open Road.
What We Do
When school isn’t working for your child, it affects the entire family. At Open Road, we understand the stress and heartbreak that come when your child feels lost in the education system. We work hand-in-hand with schools, educational commissioners and parents to offer a compassionate, practical solution for young people who are struggling. Our programmes help students rebuild confidence, re-engage with learning, and find a path back to mainstream education or a new direction that suits them. We’re here to support your child — and your family — every step of the way.
Want to see it for yourself?
We warmly invite parents and carers to visit our training centre for a tour of the facilities and an informal chat about how Open Road might be the right fit for your child. We’ll get back to you to confirm your visit.
How We Do It
Our state-of-the-art facility in King’s Lynn comprises a dedicated large four-bay garage, both indoor and outdoor construction areas, and a variety of breakout spaces and classrooms. Our team utilises these spaces to deliver professional training and education to our students who are working towards vocational qualifications.
With low student-to-instructor ratios, we deliver a combination of classroom tuition and hands-on education. The students who join us gain the skills and experience that can put them on the path to a different future.
We have found that not only do our students engage quickly with the programme, but they also start to profoundly value self-development and personal achievement. Consequently, our students rapidly develop their interpersonal skills, applying their new knowledge in a group setting to solve mechanical problems or build something from scratch.
Our students come from a wide range of social and educational backgrounds. We work with all young people who find the environment of a traditional education setting challenging, including students who have special educational needs and disabilities (S.E.N.D). We understand that new environments can be difficult, so we offer and encourage taster sessions to potential students, allowing them to see if Open Road would be a good fit.
At Open Road, we are committed to ensuring every child in West Norfolk has the opportunity to access education. We are passionate about providing the space young people need to develop interpersonal skills and nurture personal growth. We are excited to work with you!
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.