Take charge of your studies with Foundation Learning.
These courses help you build confidence, independence, and essential skills, giving you the support and encouragement to believe in yourself and reach your goals.
Develop your abilities in English, Maths, and other key subjects while discovering new ways to apply your learning in practical activities.
Our courses nurture the skills needed for progression onto a vocational course.
They are also designed to help you if you have anxiety, low confidence, behaviour and mental health issues, or if you’ve been out of education.
You are assessed prior to enrolment to ensure you are placed on the correct level.
Our courses are designed to improve your personal, social and employability skills to help you with your next steps.
You will complete core subjects such as English, Maths, and Information Technology, whilst having the chance to experience vocational areas in small groups, including but not limited to; Construction, Music and Performing Arts and Creative and Design.
Develop your skills in a friendly environment with dedicated, supportive teachers who will give you the confidence to succeed.
Throughout your time with us, you will have access to various support. You’ll have access to a mentor, careers advisors and councillors who can guide and advise you.
Students have the opportunity to gain a First Aid Certificate and learn first aid skills including how to perform CPR and dress wounds.
These important life skills give you the opportunity to work as a team and prepares you for emergency situations.
You can participate in social action projects to help give back to the local community such as fundraising, working in community gardens, conservation work and collecting food for food banks.
These projects develop teamwork and employability skills.
Our students take part in work experience and industry trips to develop life skills through hands-on learning.
You could be working with organisations such as Wildwood Kent, The Marlowe Theatre and Fashion Enter.
Our aim is to support students to learn the skills to manage personal challenges and to enable students to have greater independence in their learning and personal lives.
Daisy started her journey in Foundation Learning, where she found confidence in education for the first time.
Thanks to the support of our team, she gained new skills and experiences that helped her progress to a Level 2 Public Services course, where she received a Merit.
She’s now looking to work in the Police later this year after her Level 3 Public Services course.
”I found studying in Foundation Learning great because I’ve made a lot of friends, and it was my first time in public education.
“I found it really opened up my social life, and overall, opportunities in education.”
Foundation Learning student, Marat, saw his artwork go on display at the British Library, after winning an award in a national contest.
From creative workshops to making a real difference in the community with conservation efforts, here are five activities you could take part in.
Helping with a conservation project at the picturesque Hambrook Marshes, Foundation Learning students put their gardening skills to the test. They were tasked with propagating the willow to create habitats for the wildlife.
Explore our courses online and see the wide range of academic opportunities that are available to you.
You can make up to five applications across East Kent Colleges Group’s family of Colleges.
Click ‘Apply’ on your chosen course, and follow the steps on the application portal.
Early applications are strongly recommended, as they give you the best chance of securing a place on your chosen course.
Come along to EKC Canterbury College to meet our team, explore our facilities and see if the course is right for you.
If you receive an offer, this must be accepted to secure your place on your chosen course.
Our Foundation Learning courses are designed to give you opportunities to develop confidence, independence, and skills for life and work.
The main progression routes from these courses are:
• Level 2 courses at College
• Entry level employment and Social Skills
We understand that everyone’s journey is different.
Whether you need guidance with studies, support with personal development, or help building independence, our team is here every step of the way.
Foundation Learning student, Clayton, won the department’s Student Award 2025 for his hard work and resilience.
Clayton was praised as he always goes the extra mile, especially within his Maths lessons.
On winning his award, Clayton said:
“I didn’t expect it to be honest, I just like to get on and focus on my work. I’m very happy to have won and I’m looking forward to the future.”
Clayton progressed onto a Media course and hopes to pursue a career in creative writing in the future.
