EKC Sheppey College steps in to help pupils as course cut

Following the news that more than 40 pupils at the Oasis Academy Sheppey were not going to be able to continue their studies in hair and beauty after the end of this Academic Year, East Kent Colleges Group has now offered them the opportunity to finish their qualification.

The pupils, who had been studying for a Level 2, will now get the chance to complete the qualification in the Group’s EKC Sheppey College which offers a full salon training environment under the tutelage of highly skilled staff.

Pupils were made aware of the fact that the course would be cancelled at the end of April, so the College has rushed to ensure that it can offer them the chance to achieve the qualification next year. The College will be putting on classes outside of school hours so that the pupils’ learning is not affected in any way.

Alexandra Syrotiuk, Principal at EKC Sheppey College, said: “Our Group’s mission is all about the communities that we serve, so when we saw how upset so many young people were that they had no opportunity to complete their qualification, we knew that we needed to do the right thing and invite them to study with us.

“We have held an open event for the pupils and their parents who were affected by the decision to end the provision for Hair and Beauty, and are pleased to say that we had an incredible response. Within our planning we are also ensuring that we don’t affect their learning in school, so are offering the lectures outside of school hours. It’s wonderful to know that our Ofsted Outstanding College on the Isle of Sheppey will be able to welcome a new community of learners, and we wish them every success as they join us.”