The first day

Founding visionaries Iris Ratsey and Eleanor Beevers were joined by Dame Isobel Cripps, Andrew Wilson and his Truth Research Foundation, Mary Ross, Major Charles and Elizabeth Frankland Moore. Thanks to their committed efforts and the support of many others, The Star Centre came to fruition at Ullenwood Manor, near Cheltenham.

National Star, then known as The Star Centre, opens 10 May, 1967, located at Ullenwood, Cheltenham.

Number of students: 10 from across the UK. In the next 12 months that number grows to 40.

Facilities: Manor, adjoining stable block and outbuildings. The Manor was used as a residence – with four girls to a room and the boys in dormitories – for classes and for leisure. What it offers: Residential courses and vocational support to enable young people with disabilities to gain skills which will improve employability and to support greater independence.

Range of disabilities: The Star Centre supports students with a range of disabilities, including cerebral palsy, polio, spina bifida, brain injury and learning disabilities.

Specialist support: Students learn mathematics, English, social studies, typing (described as a ‘useful therapy and an important means of communication’), craft work and cookery. Physiotherapy provision in the form of sport such as hiking, weight lifting, riding and swimming. Occupational therapy and speech therapy.