EKC Canterbury Junior College offers an exciting hands-on curriculum for those aged 14-16 specialising in land-based studies.
EKC Canterbury Junior College
What is Junior College?
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 two-year programme students will build their skills in areas including:
- Countryside and Environment studies
- GCSE English, Maths, Biology
- Physical Education and Wellbeing
- PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education)
A Practical Learning Experience
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.
We are dedicated to supporting students’ progress in these core subjects, ensuring they obtain the qualifications needed for future success in this field and beyond.
Spring Lane Campus
EKC Canterbury Junior College is based at our newly refurbished Spring Lane campus, in a calm, safe, nurturing 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.
How to apply for EKC Canterbury Junior College
Step 1 – Discover the Junior College
Discover more about our Junior College offering at an Open Day, or get in touch with the College to find out more.
Step 2 – Apply
Submit your application via our website.
Applications for EKC Canterbury Junior College are closed for this year.
Applications for 2026 entry will open in December 2025.
Step 3 – Attend an Information Day
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.
Information Days
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.
Engaging trips and events
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.
Join our Students' Union
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.
My Experience of Junior College
Tiernan – Year 11 student
“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.”
Junior college student wins U18 Girls Wheelchair Tennis National Finals.
20 February 2024
An EKC Canterbury Junior College student has won the U18 Girls Wheelchair Tennis National Finals.
“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.”
Kira
Year 11 student
“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.”
Caleb
Year 11 student
“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.”
Isabel
Year 11 student
Meet the Head of Junior College
Alicia Weldon
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.
We’re part of six community-based colleges
