Junior College is a unique provision designed for students who are currently in Year 9 and are looking for a more focused and career-driven learning experience.
We offer an exciting hands-on curriculum for those aged 14-16 specialising in land-based studies.
Applications for EKC Canterbury Junior College 2026 are now closed.
Please note that applications for September 2027 entry will open in December 2026.
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 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.
Every year we open up our Spring Lane Campus, inviting the community to meet our animals and see the facilities, whilst raising money for organisations across East Kent.
During events like these, your young person will become the expert, demonstrating their knowledge and understanding gained during their studies.
Students learn within a safe environment, with distinct lanyards so they are easily identified as pre-16 learners.
We have high expectations for all learners, to enable them to successfully and safely study, within a post-16 and adult learning environment.
Making decisions about the future can feel like a big step, but your young person doesn’t have to do it alone.
Junior College is dedicated to supporting students’ academic progress, ensuring they obtain the qualifications needed for future success in this field and beyond.
Tutorials and workshops throughout the year, teach students life skills, social skills and other skills that will set them up for a successful future.
Our Junior College students this year have engaged in conservation talks from charities such as Bird Wise East Kent.
Trips, activities and events are held throughout the College year to ensure all students get the best out of their learning experience.
Previous trips have included Wildwood and Lees Court Estate – a stunning 6,900-acre property.
From taking part in social action projects to making a difference to other students, there’s always something to get involved with at EKC Canterbury Junior College.
Previous students have helped to renovate the pond on Campus and improve the surrounding landscape.
When students join EKC Canterbury Junior College, they automatically become part of our Students’ Union.
Our Student Experience Officer is on-hand to support the Students’ Union and provide exciting opportunities for students during their time at College.
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 two hectares with a wide range of facilities including a glass house, polytunnels, orchards and wildlife areas and ponds.
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.
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 2026 are now closed.
Please note that applications for September 2027 entry will open in December 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 a Junior College application has been completed, you can then book onto an Information Day held at the College.
This is where our team will explore your young person’s options, discuss their suitability for the provision, and explain what the next steps are in the Junior College application process.
We’ve got Information Days in December, January and March that you will be invited to once you have submitted an application.
“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.”
We know applying to Junior College can be an overwhelming thought for many young people, which is why we want to make it as easy and stress-free as possible.
Here are some answers to our most frequently asked questions:
