Our Experiences of EKC Sheppey Junior College

EKC Sheppey Junior College is a hands-on opportunity for learners aged 14-16, to specialise in either Digital or Engineering courses.

Cassy, Maddison, and Terry, are three of our learners who are gearing up to progress to Year 11 after completing one year of this provision.

We spoke to them between classes to hear what they’ve loved, and why they’d recommend studying at Junior College.

What are you enjoying about Junior College so far?

Cassy: “I think being a smaller group has been great, instead of being in a classroom with a maximum of 30 people.

“You get more time here to have one-to-one support, and you can understand different things that you wouldn’t particularly cover in school.”

Madisson: “I’m enjoying how it’s given me an opportunity to get two years ahead as we’re currently studying Level 2 Engineering at 14/15 years old.

“It’s also given me an opportunity to thrive in an environment where practical work is key.”

Terry: “We’ve been on some cool trips lately, including visiting an RAF Engineering Museum, where we looked at safety, built bridges, saw planes and had a nice experience overall.

“Engineering is something that sparks a fire in me to keep going, and it’s something I’m good at, so I’m glad I’ve come here.”

Why did you come to Junior College?

Cassy: “I didn’t get along with mainstream school. I decided to come here to get a fresh start. I wanted to start again from the beginning of my GCSEs and make a change. 

Madisson: “I saw it was an option in the end of Year 8, and I decided that that was the path I wanted to go down, because I’m very big on practical experience.” 

Terry: “I came to Junior College to get away from the main stress of school. It’s also better at helping me with my ADHD and it’s a good chance to see what I enjoy and what I’m good at.” 

Why would you recommend Junior College to somebody who’s considering it as an option?

Cassy: “I think if you want to study different things, or subjects that aren’t covered at mainstream school then do it.  

“It opens a lot of doors, and you can explore in-depth what you can do and what qualifications you can achieve.” 

Maddison: “I think it’s an amazing option, because it’s a smaller environment. You’ve got a lot less people around you, but it allows you to focus on that core subject of Engineering. You wouldn’t get that anywhere else.” 

Terry: “I recommend it here because you get to just have a bit more flexibility and more freedom. You feel like you’re treated as an adult too.”

What do you hope to do after Junior College?

Cassy: “I do have a few ideas. With our Engineering lecturer, Chris, every Friday, we go into a carpentry workshop, just so we get a bit more hands-on time, more than just doing written work.  

“I really enjoy Carpentry as I get to put my imagination into it, and I get to build things. So maybe something in Carpentry would be what I would aim towards.” 

Maddison: “After I leave Junior College, I’d like to be a motor mechanic. I’d probably start an apprenticeship in that area as I’m very big on hands-on work, and I feel like it’s one of the easiest ways to learn.” 

Terry: “I hope to go for an apprenticeship, maybe at my dad’s company or another company that my neighbour owns. They work in Engineering and woodwork, and both companies could offer me that when I leave.” 

Thank you to Cassy, Maddison, and Terry for sharing their stories of EKC Sheppey Junior College.  

Our Junior College takes applications from learners currently in Year 9 at school, or equivalent if home-schooled, and are interested in pursuing a career in the Digital or Engineering sectors. 

Learners will complete Year 10 and Year 11 whilst focusing on a specialist curriculum in Engineering and Digital. 

Learn more about Junior College before applications for September 2027 open later this year.