We’re proud to announce our College Principal Clare Sefton has become the new North West Regional Director for Natspec.
Natspec is the membership association for organisations that offer specialist further education and training for students with learning difficulties, which includes Seashell’s Royal College Manchester.
Clare [pictured] took up the role in September and is keen the position will help further Seashell’s mission and give an even greater platform to the voice of our students.
Clare said: “Being in this role gives Seashell a bigger reach in supporting young people and gives us and our students a national voice in conversations around specialist further education.
“As the new North West Regional Director I want to understand everyone’s challenges in the sector. Being in this position will also give me insight into what others are doing to overcome those challenges and support them in their roles in education.
“One of my main goals is making sure every level of complexity is catered for and specialist colleges feel they have a voice in the sector.
“It’s important we share the impact that specialist further education has on young adults with complex disabilities.”
One example at Seashell is Armaghan, who after graduating from Royal College Manchester now has paid employment at local merchandising company Laltex.
You can read more about Armaghan’s story here.
And Isaac, who graduated from College last year [2024] and is now fulfilling his childhood dreams of working in catering by taking paid employment in Seashell’s kitchens.
Clare said: “These young people are just two of the brilliant examples where attending College has meant they can have a meaningful and purposeful life after finishing their education.”
One of Clare’s first major acts in the voluntary position as North West Regional Director is leading Seashell’s part in The Power of Specialist FE campaign with Natspec.
The campaign’s aim is to highlight the essential role that specialist further education (FE) plays in supporting young people with the most complex disabilities.
The campaign launched last month [October 2025] and is building up to The Power of Specialist FE awareness week, which is running from Monday, 1st December. During the week, Seashell has the privilege of hosting MP Tom Morrison, the Liberal Democrat representative for Cheadle.
Clare added: “We’re keen for Tom to meet our students and families and get a real understanding for what our students are about and the sorts of challenges young adults with complexity disabilities and their families face.
“This has become even more important in recent times, given the government’s Schools White Paper and Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper. Both Seashell and Natspec hope to work more closely with the Department for Education on shaping the future of SEND education.”
