Why choose EKC Canterbury College after Year 11?

The time has come to think about your next steps after Year 11.  

Maybe you’ve already decided to stay at the same school?  

We get it completely, but have you considered all your options? It is really important you make an informed decision as this is your future.    

Read on to learn the benefits of choosing EKC Canterbury College:  

Focus on learning in areas you’re passionate about.

If studying at EKC Canterbury College, you will choose one subject to focus all your efforts on. This gives you time to grow your skills in the area you are most interested in. You’d be amazed how much you’ll learn and progress when you can dedicate your time to just one subject.  

If you decide to study at our EKC Canterbury Sixth Form, you’ll pick a selection of A Levels that help you with your next steps, whether that be a career, higher-level apprenticeship or university.

We have a wide range of courses for you to choose from and impressive facilities which replicate actual work environments.  

For example, if you study one of our Landbased, Environmental and Animal Care courses, you will be based in our Spring Lane Campus, with a wide range of animals, polytunnels and greenhouses.

Our Open Days are a great way for you to explore our campus and see our facilities for yourself.

Work placements    

During your time at College, you will complete a work placement. This placement will give you an idea of what it will be like to work in the industry you’re training to enter. Your placement will help to prepare you for life after College.  It’s also a great thing to add to your CV! 

We have dedicated staff to ensure that you find the perfect work placement which suits you and your long-term career goals. They are called Industry Liaison Officers, ILO’s for short, and will be able to link you with the top employers around Canterbury and the surrounding area.  

If you decide to study a T Level you will have a 45-day work placement. This gives you time to really understand the sector you are entering by developing your skills.  

T Level Business Management and Administration student, Lexi, supported live projects inside the NHS and experienced day-to-day working life in a professional healthcare environment.   

She said: “I’ve gained so many new skills by being here, from professional standards and Microsoft skills to understanding how to behave in a workplace. I’ve also met so many people across the NHS and learned from different departments, which has been a really valuable experience.” 

Unique opportunities    

Have you wanted to travel while you study? This is possible at College! Last year, we took some of our Health and Social Care students to Tenerife to learn about education and how children there learn. This gave them a brilliant experience to be able to explore another country whilst learning skills that will help them in their future careers.      

You’ll also have the chance to take part in various Inter-College competitions. We are part of East Kent Colleges Group, of which there are six Colleges including Canterbury. 

Our Colleges challenge each other to various exciting competitions in the year. In the past, these have included a football tournament, and an ESOL cricket competition, which was held down the road at Polo Farm Sports Club. 

A new student experience    

At College you are given the freedom to manage your own time. You’ll call the lecturers by their first name, and you’re able to head into town to get your lunch.   

Many students find this freeing and feel like they’re treated as adults. This will help your confidence grow and enable you to feel more independent, preparing you for future study at university or entering the world of work.    

At College you will be a member of the Students’ Union, known as the SU. This is run by the students for the students, to make sure that you have the best possible experience whilst at College.   

The SU works with the College’s Student Experience Officer. They are responsible for organising trips and activities to enhance your time outside of your classroom. Previous events have included going bowling, visiting Bluewater and end-of-year celebrations across the College.  

Those are just a few of the reasons why EKC Canterbury College or EKC Canterbury College Sixth Form is a great option for you after Year 11.   

If you’re interested in finding out more, explore our courses and apply today.