Four women sitting on the grass under a tree in the summer.

Ordination training that works for everyone

If you’re neurodivergent or live with additional needs, choosing the right theology college for ordination training can feel like a huge decision. 

At St Augustine’s College of Theology, we understand that everyone learns differently, so we put a lot of focus (and care) on making ordination training work for everyone. Our role is to support you as you prepare for ministry, helping you thrive personally and academically.

Helping you get the most out of your theology studies

You don’t need a formal diagnosis to access support here. If you self-identify as neurodivergent or having additional needs, or if you need a bit of extra help, we’ll listen carefully and build support around you.

Support in your learning and teaching spaces might include:

  • One-to-one sessions with our Writing Tutor, Suzy Gregory
  • Extra time for assignments
  • The option to submit work verbally
  • Flexible attendance where courses allow
  • Access to assistive technology such as screen readers and voice recognition
  • Reducing potential sources of sensory overload
  • Permission to record lectures
  • Considered use of fonts, colours and text quantity on slides
  • Lesson plans shared with you in advance 

Above all, teaching at St Augustine’s is about removing barriers so you can engage fully and confidently with your training.

Beverley, a former ordinand at St. Augustine’s, discovered she had dyslexia during her studies: 

‘Suzy noticed there was some dissonance between the way I engaged verbally in class and the way I wrote. That insight helped me learn I was dyslexic. The team was amazing, and that support really stands out for me as I reflect on my time at St Augustine’s.’

A group of women listening to a lecture. The main woman in focus is wearing a white jumper. She has chin length curly brown hair and wears glasses.

When health conditions shape your pathway

If you live with a physical or mental health condition, you’re in safe hands at St Augustine’s. Our campuses, lecture rooms and libraries are accessible for wheelchair users, and if you need further adjustments, we work with you to make them happen.

Anna Hughes, one of our ordinands, describes how her pathway was adapted:

‘It was evident when I was going through the discernment process that I would need a pathway with some adjustments. So Becky said, ‘Yes, of course, we can help you, we can think about adjusting your pathway. When would you like to visit?

‘I came down a few days later and was enchanted by the setting, and also so reassured by the response. So many people say St Augustine’s is so good at meeting the needs of individuals and making adjustments that will enable as many people as possible to study.’

Care that looks after the whole person

Ordination training can be challenging, and sometimes your mental health could need extra care. Our pastoral support team are on hand to listen. They’ll connect you with trusted external counselling and support organisations when you need it most.

We also offer voice coaching and public speaking training with our specialist tutor. If leading worship or addressing a congregation feels daunting, our one-to-one coaching can help you find a confident voice that feels like you.

When dyslexia is part of your calling

Tom, a former theology student, speaks openly about how support at St Augustine’s changed his life:

‘When I started at St Augustine’s, I can remember one of the tutors saying to me, You need to go and see the writing tutor.’ At that stage, I didn’t know what that could do for me, but it has changed my life.’ 

‘Most dyslexics know they might get more time in exams or get more time to hand in some of their written work, but there’s a whole lot more help. Help us with how we write or what we can write, and help us get our ideas on paper. St Augustine’s really opened that up for me. 

‘The writing tutor really helped with all of those elements – of being able to put together what’s going on in my head that I can talk about quite comfortably but find incredibly difficult to transfer onto paper.’

  • In this video, Tom describes how our writing tutor helped him get his ideas on paper, working with him to ensure he could make the most of his theological studies.

Visit us for a free taster day

Want to find out what student life is really like here?

We’d love to welcome you to a taster day. You can meet our tutors and fellow students, explore the facilities and talk with us about how we can support you. 

Just click the link below to reserve your spot!