Broadstairs College - Information for Parents
Search form

Information for Parents

Why did Broadstairs College develop a programme for 14 to 16-year-olds?

The government recognises that studying only academic subjects in a secondary school environment can hold some young people back. As a result, government funding has been made available to high attaining colleges across the country to strengthen specialist vocational education for 14 to 16-year-olds to support young people into successful employment. Broadstairs College is keen to ensure that this offer is made available to students in the Thanet area to promote expertise in up-to-date industry-relevant skills that are needed in the local economy.

Is my child not too young to be with college students?

We have a rigorous Safeguarding Policy and the students will be cared for in a safe environment. For part of the week, students will study alongside 16-to-18-year-olds. The College has successfully operated this model for some time already, carefully integrating younger learners with older students in vocational courses. All 14-16 learners have designated areas to socialise, which are facilitated by teaching staff at all times, as well as a yellow lanyard to identify them as pre-16. 

What is your track record with this age group?

Our goal as a College is to ensure positive destinations towards career goals. In 2018/19, 97% of year 11 students positively progressed onto further education or apprenticeships within the EKC Group.

What are the requirements of being on the Home Educated part-time programme?

Our Home Educated programme is designed to allow registered home educated students the opportunity to come to the College part-time as either a substitute, or addition, to their current home education curriculum. All students must have been registered as Home Educated with Kent County Councils Home education team for a minimum of 6 months at the point of application. Families will need to bring evidence of this to their initial information evening. The reason for this is to ensure that no family is off-rolling from mainstream school just to get a place on this programme. It is designed to be a bolt-on or replacement to a genuine home educated.

What policies do the part-time pre 16s follow?

Your child will remain registered as home educated with KCC, and we are providing a bolt on to this education. Therefore, they are funded via ESFA 16-19 funding and follow our Further Education policies around admissions and disciplinary. If your child isn’t meeting the minimum requirements of 85% attendance and following the code of conduct, they will be withdrawn and education will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian delivering home education.

When can I look around?

We hold a series of Open Days throughout the year, and we look forward to welcoming both parents and prospective students. Alternatively, you can contact broadstairsjuniorcollege@eastkent.ac.uk for the opportunity to be shown around during the College day.

Applications for September 2022