EKC Canterbury Junior College offers an exciting hands-on curriculum for those aged 14-16 specialising in land-based studies.
Applications for EKC Canterbury Junior College are currently open.
Please note that applications close on 27th March 2026, and that students must currently be in Year 9 (or equivalent if home-schooled) to apply.
The Junior College takes applications from learners who are currently in Year 9, or equivalent if home-schooled, and are interested in pursuing a career in the land-based industry, with a focus on habitat management and estate skills.
Learners will complete Year 10 and Year 11 whilst focusing on specialist curriculum and accessing our College facilities.
During this full time two-year programme, students will build their skills in areas including:
Students of the Junior College will students work toward a Level 2 Diploma in Countryside and Environment, gaining practical knowledge and skills relevant to careers in countryside and wildlife management.
Alongside this diploma, students achieve essential GCSEs in English, Maths, and Biology, which are integral to their educational experience.
Junior College offers a curriculum that is designed specifically for students with an interest in countryside and land-based studies.
We have high expectations for all learners, to enable them to successfully and safely study, within a post-16 and adult learning environment. Junior College is dedicated to supporting students’ academic progress, ensuring they obtain the qualifications needed for future success in this field and beyond.
EKC Canterbury Junior College is based at our newly refurbished Spring Lane campus, in a calm, safe and supportive environment only a short walk from our main campus.
Our specialist land-based campus is set over 2 hectares with a wide range of facilities including a glass house, polytunnels, orchards and wildlife areas and ponds.
Discover more about our Junior College offering at an Open Day, or get in touch with the College to find out more.
Submit your application via our website.
Applications for EKC Canterbury Junior College are currently open.
Please note that applications for 2026 entry will close on 27th March 2026.
Students must currently be in Year 9 (or equivalent if home-schooled) to apply.
Once you’ve completed an application, you will automatically be booked onto an Information Day at EKC Canterbury College.
This is where our team will explore your options and discuss your suitability for the Junior College provision.
Once you have completed your Junior College application, you can then book onto an Information Day held at the College.
This is where our team will explore your options and discuss your suitability for the Junior College provision.
We’ve got Information Days in December, January and March that you will be invited to once you have submitted your application.
Trips, activities and events are held throughout the College year to ensure all students get the best out of their learning experience.
These include the annual Spring Fayre, a celebration of education, sustainability, wildlife and community. This year’s event, held at the purpose-built campus, welcomed visitors to explore the newly renovated facilities while enjoying various activities and attractions.
When students join EKC Canterbury College, they automatically become part of our Students’ Union.
Our Student Experience Officers Gina and Ella are on-hand to support the Students’ Union and provide exciting opportunities for students during their time at college.
“I really enjoyed Junior College. It’s a more mature evironment and I liked the smaller class sizes.
“When you’re in a smaller class, your voice gets heard, and the teachers really helped me.”
“I focused a lot on my Maths this year. I put everything into it and I’m happy with my result.”
“I’m looking forward to starting my Carpentry Apprenticeship at the College.
“My dad’s a Carpenter and I’ve been helping him out since I was nine. I love being on the tools – I’m excited to get started.”
“I would definitely recommend going to the Junior College as it’s helped me in so many different ways.”
“I’ve been given a lot of skills from my time here at Junior College, which can help me go into a number of jobs.
“It’s also given me confidence to explore my options.
“A benefit of studying at the Junior College is being able to get career guidance, so that you can secure a place into the main College afterwards or even an apprenticeship.”
“I like the fact that there are smaller class sizes, and that the work is more based around one subject.
“Being able to work in the greenhouses and outside areas a lot of the time, and working in a closer environment with people has been so much fun.
“I feel like I’ve got better social skills because of this and you get to know people a lot more.”
“We’ve done lots of work this year around the pond, learning about ecosystems in-depth.
“We also practiced building fences on the campus to protect the pond and the wildlife that live in and around it.
“This was really cool as we got to work into groups and see what an impact our work has on the environment.”
Alicia, Head of Junior College, is also the Deputy Head of Animal Care and Landbased studies at EKC Canterbury College.
She brings with her a wealth of experience, with a distinguished career in education spanning over 10 years.
Alicia’s favourite part of the role is seeing the progress over the two years, in every single student.
