14-16 Schools Provision

Partnerships with schools

We partner with secondary schools, academies, specialist SEND settings (up to Year 14) and pupil referral units to deliver high-quality vocational programmes for groups of students in Years 10 and 11 as part of their school curriculum. Drawing on your knowledge of your students and our specialist facilities, industry expertise and local partnerships, we provide inclusive, responsive provision that broadens curriculum choice and supports individual needs. This collaborative approach strengthens progression pathways, increases pupil engagement and equips young people to make well-informed decisions about their next steps.

Across our Cannock, Lichfield, Rodbaston and Tamworth campuses, we offer vocational programmes equivalent to GCSE study. Schools can incorporate these programmes into their timetable for one or two years, giving groups of students’ regular access to our specialist facilities, practical learning and industry-relevant skills. This flexible approach complements your existing curriculum and helps pupils build confidence while preparing for their next steps.

Whether your priority is strengthening curriculum breadth, supporting school performance measures or creating effective transition opportunities, we can develop a flexible, bespoke programme that delivers real value for your school. From DfE-approved qualifications to experiential learning, we will work closely with you to meet your students’ needs, complement your existing provision and support your strategic priorities.

Electively Home Educated – Yr 10 & Y11

Young people who are of Year 10 or Year 11 age may apply to join us if they have been registered as electively home educated (EHE) for a minimum of 6 months.

The main objective of our EHE courses are GCSE English and GCSE mathematics alongside their chosen vocational element. They will sit these GCSE examinations in Year 11, at the same time as students in mainstream schools.

Our programmes are designed for young people who are motivated to attend regularly, excellent behaviour, engage fully with their learning and work towards their full potential in English, mathematics and their chosen vocational subject. Current options include Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Animal Care at Rodbaston, and Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Creative Industries and Creative Media at Lichfield and Cannock – all alongside priority of GCSE English and Maths.

We recognise that previous [COVID] years have been challenging for many young people and that increasing numbers of families are choosing elective home education. Demand for our programmes is extremely high, so we recommend applying when the young person is of Y9 age to apply for our Y10; or Y10 age to apply for our Y11.

We do not accept a Y8 (for example) applying for Y10/11 so far in advance.

Please read the following information carefully before applying:

• Class sizes are small, and we currently have a substantial waiting list.
• A college place is not guaranteed. Any offer is subject to availability and an assessment of whether the programme is suitable for the young person.
• When considering an offer, we will review the young person’s attitude to learning, behaviour and attendance history from their previous school or satisfactory work confirmation from your EHE officer, together with the outcome of English and mathematics assessments completed during the interview process.
• The young person will remain registered as electively home educated while studying with us. You, as the parent or carer, will therefore remain responsible for their education and study arrangements, travel, personal protective equipment (PPE), trips and visits, and any support they require. Learners aged 14–16 are not eligible for bursary support.

Important considerations

• Before deregistering your child from school to seek a college placement, we encourage you to consider the decision carefully and explore all available options. Although we will consider every application fairly, we may not always be able to offer a place. If a placement is unavailable or later comes to an end, returning to a mainstream school may be difficult, and the college is unable to arrange or guarantee re-entry to a school.
• We want families to have a clear understanding of the support available before applying. Our EHE classes do not currently include in-class learning support because local authorities do not fund this support in college settings for EHE learners, including those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This funding is available only in mainstream or specialist school settings.
• If an external agency recommends deregistering your child from school and applying for a college place, we encourage you to talk through the available options carefully before making a decision. We will consider each application fairly and individually, but a suitable course or place at one of our colleges cannot be guaranteed. Our extensive amount of applications does mean that there is no guarantee at all of being offered a college place.