Often it means decision time, and no more than ever students receiving GCSE or A Level results have an abundance of options to choose from.

Some people know exactly what they want to do when leaving school, but for many this stage of life is about exploring new opportunities, discovering the different and exciting careers that are available to them, and keeping their options open.

If you’re leaving school after your GCSE’s, South West College can offer you a range of full-time and part-time courses, across several curriculum areas. Completion of these courses can result in direct employment, continued education and training, or a stepping stone to University level Higher Education.

Courses for school leavers

From construction courses that can help you build the future of your dreams, to hair and beauty courses that give you the latest skills in styling, as well as our prestigious accounting courses, and many more to choose from in between… apply now

As well as the extensive range of courses, many students prefer the smaller class numbers, and the benefit of added individual hours with lecturers and tutors. SWC also focuses time and energy into improving the health and wellbeing of students, recognising the positive impact this can have on study and future success. The college’s thriving student services facilities offer many extracurricular activities as well as advice and support on careers, student finance, safeguarding, learning support and equality. For many students, there is also the attraction of the new element of freedom that comes from studying at a Further Education College and the possibility of studying something you’ve had a lifetime passion for, like Hair and Beauty or Sport, or by enrolling in an apprenticeship that allows you to split your time between the classroom and the workplace and earn while you learn.

Students leaving school after A-Levels retain all these options and more. Students can choose from a range of full-time and part-time Higher Education courses, across a number of curriculum areas in levels such as Higher Level Apprenticeships, Higher National Diplomas, Higher National Certificates and Foundation Degrees. Completion of these vocationally led courses often result in direct employment, continued education and training, or they serve as a stepping stone to a Full Honours Degree.