Skip to content

School Leavers

Our courses for school leavers are focused on future careers or higher education, that allow any student the opportunity to achieve their goals and ambitions.

three students sitting on a picnic bench outside talking and laughing with each other.

What’s your next step?

Explore the pathways available to you after school. Whether you’re interested in Apprenticeships, T Levels or Specialist Subjects, we’ll help you find the route that’s right for your future.

Start your career and gain a nationally-recognised qualification, while being paid at the same time.
Develop the skills employers are looking for through real workplace experience alongside your studies.
Turn your passion into a profession with industry-focused courses designed to prepare you for your future career.

Qualifications Explained

This guide shows you what our courses mean in terms of qualifications, so that you can make the right decisions for your future.

Level 2 Award/Certificate

Equivalent to approximately GCSE Grade 4 or above.

Level 3 Extended Certificate

Equivalent to one and a half A Levels.

Level 3 Foundation Diploma

Equivalent to Two A Levels.

Level 3 Extended Diploma

Equivalent to Three A Levels.

T Levels

Equivalent to Three A Levels.

Group of students sitting on the grass smiling at the camera, the college is in the background

Make the Most of College Life

Explore the Students’ Union and discover opportunities to get involved, make new friends and help shape the student experience at college.

Student smiling at camera he has short brown hair and is wearing a grey jacket. He is standing in front of a boiler.

“With an Apprenticeship, you learn something new every day, it is a really practical hands-on way of learning. I couldn’t imagine myself sitting behind a desk all day.

“The beauty of an Apprenticeship is that you get paid whilst you are learning. My Apprenticeship has given me the skills I need in the trade as I hope to run my own business in the future.”
Josh
Level 3 Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician Apprentice
Student is wearing glasses and has short brown hair and is wearing a black shirt. He is standing outside and is holding a brown envelope.

“For me, I didn’t like the idea of going to uni, or having to travel lots, so I’ve decided I’d like to find a full-time job or nearby Apprenticeship. I’d like to do something that links to Engineering, but not necessarily building and creating. I’ve learnt that I like to be more hands-on and help in a support role, so I think I’ll look into jobs in estates and maintenance. 

“During my time at College I also took part in the Students’ Union, as Vice-President. I really enjoyed being part of a lot of fun events like the Remembrance Lunch, Awards Evening and Prom. I’ve now got experience of event planning and management and I’ve proven to myself that I’m a lot more capable and confident than I thought I was.

“I’d definitely encourage new students to get involved with the SU and all of the extra activities that happen around College. There’s always lots going on that you can take part in. And it’s a great way to make friends too!”

Reece
T Level Technical Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

“I chose to study Computing because I regretted not taking it at A Level. Coming here gave me a fresh start. 

“I’ve enjoyed how my Lecturers teach and how interactive everything is. I’ve also enjoyed being able to work closely with people in my class, take part in hackathons, and experience new things. 

“I’ve learnt to work independently and have gained lots of new skills I didn’t expect to. Compared to my A Level experience, College has been much better. 

“I’d recommend Computing to anyone, because there’s so much support for people who haven’t studied it before, but also independence for those who have and want to push themselves.  

“In the future I hope to move on to a university degree in the same area.”
Shasa
T Level Digital Production, Design and Development
Ashford College bunting

Book an Open Day to experience our College in person

Term dates

Explore the term dates and learn more about when each term starts, when our half terms are, and when the College is closed.

How to apply

If you have decided on a course or study programme, find out how to apply for EKC  Canterbury College.

Need help and advice?

Our College team are here to support you in a number of ways, such as to help you explore your options.

We’re part of six community-based colleges

Our mission is to empower our communities to develop their economic and social prosperity in a rapidly changing world.