Your gateway to an independent future

Welcome to RNC

We're the only specialist further education college in England dedicated solely to young people aged 16 to 25 years of age with vision impairment. Studying here is about more than qualifications. It's about achievement beyond the classroom, building the independence, communication skills and self-belief you'll carry into the rest of your life.

Study here

As the only specialist further education college in England dedicated solely to vision impairment, RNC offers something no mainstream college can.

Study here

Work for us

Jobs, volunteering, and governor roles. Be part of what we do.

Work for us
a female teacher with a female student. The teacher leans on the desk - the student is using lego Braille bricks. They are both laughing

Support us

Help fund life-changing education for blind and vision impaired young people.

Support us
a group of students sitting and standing around a bench outside in front of the entrance to the college socialising - a guide dog is lying on the floor beside them

Find out more

How to apply

Courses and applying

Visit RNC

Come and visit us

Download a prospectus

Prospectus download

Aligned with the national standard for V.I. education

Every student at RNC benefits from teaching that aligns with the Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (CFVI), the UK's recognised standard for an equitable education. It sets out the specialist skills that help young people with vision impairment access learning and the wider world.

Read about the CFVI

What's on

  • Awareness Days

International White Cane Safety Day

A day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of the white cane as a symbol of independence and mobility for individuals who are blind or vision impaired.
  • Location Worldwide
  • Start date 15th Oct 2026
Go to International White Cane Safety Day
  • Activity Events

‘Have a Go’ Activity Weekend

The ‘Have a Go’ Activity Weekend is a FREE event for young people aged 13 to 17 with a vision impairment and their families.
  • Location Royal National College for the Blind, Venns Lane, Hereford, HR1 1DT
  • Start date 24th Oct 2026
  • Start time 11:00
Go to ‘Have a Go’ Activity Weekend
  • Open Days

RNC Open Day

For prospective students, families and professionals working with young people with a vision impairment.
  • Location Royal National College for the Blind, Venns Lane, Hereford, HR1 1DT
  • Start date 27th Nov 2026
  • Start time 10:00
Go to RNC Open Day
View all events

Stay in touch with RNC

Get our latest news, events and student stories straight to your inbox. It's the easiest way to keep up with life at the College.

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Latest news

  • 5th Oct 2026

Geography student explores flood prevention in Hereford

A Level Geography student Ewan recently visited Hereford to investigate flood prevention and management along the River Wye.
Go to Geography student explores flood prevention in Hereford
A person standing outdoors next to a wooden information board for the Bartonsham Meadows Nature Reserve.
  • 30th Sep 2026
  • Student life and academic success

Why hosting an RNC work experience placement benefits everyone

Over 70% of working-age blind or vision impaired people are unemployed. This gap isn’t caused by a lack of skills or willingness to work, but by systemic, environmental, and structural barriers.
Go to Why hosting an RNC work experience placement benefits everyone
A student sitting at a bank of brightly coloured computers - her hands are on the keyboard and she's looking at the camera smiling
  • 28th Sep 2026
  • Events and community

Celebrating diversity on European Day of Languages

To mark European Day of Languages (26 September 2026), staff and students gathered for a celebration of the many languages and cultures that make up the College community. We didn’t limit the festivities to Europe, we celebrated the range of languages spoken across our campus.
Go to Celebrating diversity on European Day of Languages
Students seated at a table sampling foods during the celebration. Traditional Russian Matryoshka nesting dolls, crackers, and bowls of snacks are arranged in front of them.
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Our services

We share our specialist expertise with organisations and the public, from Braille transcription and assessments to venue hire, office services and thePoint4 gym and fitness centre.

Our services
A student on reception interacting with a customer and handing over a clipboard