Our College
Principal's Welcome
It is a privilege to welcome you to Aurora Foxes, a specialist college where young adults with special educational needs and disabilities are supported to thrive - in work, in life, and as valued members of their communities.
Located in the heart of Minehead, Aurora Foxes is more than a college - it is a vibrant and inclusive part of the town. Our students are not just learners; they are active participants in the community and are genuinely welcomed and valued.
A distinctive part of our offer is our on-site hotel, which operates as a fully functioning hospitality setting. Here, students learn in a real working environment—gaining practical experience, developing customer service skills, and building the confidence to succeed in future employment. This setting allows students to apply what they learn in the classroom to everyday practice, supported by staff who understand their needs and aspirations.
Our first responsibility is, and always will be, to keep our students safe—physically, emotionally and mentally. From this secure foundation, we create a learning environment that is engaging, purposeful and shaped around real-world outcomes. Our curriculum is ambitious and practical, grounded in Aurora’s five founding values: Caring, Ambitious, Collaborative, Trusted and Innovative.
Our goal is for every student to leave Aurora Foxes as a confident and capable young adult, equipped not only with essential life skills but with the belief that they can shape their own future. Whether that future involves supported or independent employment, greater independence at home, or active participation in community life, we work to ensure each learner is ready for their next step.
These are not just fine words—we see these outcomes in action every day. Across the country, our alumni are living out the skills and experiences developed here at Foxes, and we are proud of every one of them. But we do not stand still. We continually review our provision to ensure it meets the needs of our learners and the demands of the world they are entering.
Our partnerships with employers and organisations, including our national links with Hilton Hotels and Sodexo, create meaningful opportunities beyond college. For many students, these links are more than experience—they are a bridge to real employment and greater independence.
At Aurora Foxes, we believe every young person has the potential to achieve a fulfilling and purposeful life. Our mission is to empower them with the confidence, skills and self-belief to do just that.
We are proud of our past, excited for the future, and relentless in our daily commitment to ensuring that every graduate of Aurora Foxes is: work ready, life ready.
Mark Costello - Principal
