Launch Pad

If you have finished school without the qualifications you need for your next step, Launch Pad can help you to get where you want to be.

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Launch Pad is our foundation learning programme. It is for young people who don’t have the qualifications needed to start on a vocational course. You may have had bad experiences with school, been home schooled, or out of education for a while. We are a reset.

Everyone at Launch Pad will work on their English and maths skills. This can be from Entry level 3 to level 2 Functional Skills (the same level as GCSEs). Alongside this you will also study towards a level 2 Certificate in Creative Media, and a level 2 Certificate in Employability. If you are not ready to study at level 2, you will work towards a College Certificate instead. We adapt the level of your studies to meet your individual needs.  

Student welding

You will also have the chance to come for an additional day to study towards a qualification in other vocational areas. These include: 

  • Music technology 

  • Creative media and film 

  • Performing arts 

  • Childcare 

  • Construction 

  • Electrical 

  • Engineering 

  • Sport 

  • Adult social care 

  • Hair and beauty 

  • Business 

  • Computing 

  • Hospitality 

It’s not just about gaining a qualification. We’ll help you develop lots of skills like communication, teamwork, and resilience. You will also learn to manage conflict and emotions. Together, the qualifications you gain and the skills you develop will help you to move onto further study, into an apprenticeship, or get a job.  

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What support is available?

All students in Launch Pad have a key worker. You will have a weekly tutorial where you can talk about how you are doing on the programme and what your next steps might be.  

We know that many of our students have had poor experiences in education, so we work with you to make sure that you settle well into the programme.  

Anyone with an EHCP will also be assessed to see how we can best meet their needs. Find out more. 

How much time will I spend in college? 

You will be in College for 3 days a week, between 9am and 4.15pm, at our Freemen’s Park Campus. You will have 4 lessons each day, with plenty of breaks in between.  

If you choose to do an additional day to study a vocational subject, we will tell you what time you need to be in college. If you choose an additional vocational qualification, you may have to travel to a different campus.  

You can take a look at the term dates to see when you’ll be in studying. 

What are the entry requirements?  

You need to be 16-19 on 31 August of the year you start studying with us. You don’t need any formal qualifications. We will invite you to come into College to talk to you about the programme and what you want to achieve.  

This is a fresh start, and we look at you as an individual. If we don’t think it is a good fit for you, we will sign post you to alternatives.  

There are no geographical limits. So long as you can get to us 3 days a week you can apply to study with us.  

How to apply

We accept applications all year round, so you can apply whenever you are ready to.

Contact us

Still need more information, complete the form and get in touch.

Contact us