The EKC Sheppey Junior College is a unique opportunity for students currently in Year 9 (or the equivalent if homeschooled) who want to specialise in Digital Skills or Engineering studies.
What is Junior College?
EKC Sheppey Junior College is for Year 9 students who are interested in studying in the Digital or Engineering sectors and would like to specialise during their Year 10 and Year 11 studies.
It is a unique two-year provision that blends academic learning with practical, industry-based training, helping students explore career interests early on.
This two-year course includes specialised studies along with core subjects like GCSE Maths, English, PE, and PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education).
What are the Digital or Engineering specialisms that are available at Junior College?
Students will choose from either Digital or Engineering, to focus on over the course of the two years. All Junior College students have access to College facilities and will learn with industry-standard equipment to grow their confidence in their chosen career.
Students will build their skills in their specialised area as well as GCSE Maths and English, Physical Education, and Wellbeing PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education).
The Junior College programme offers a separate environment from the normal College, with distinct lanyards, so they are easily identified as pre-16 learners for safety and community purposes. Direct progression routes are available to learners when they are ready to move into Further Education at the end of the programme.
What support is available for Junior College students?
There is extensive support available to students. Students can access wellbeing support teams and Careers Advisors who assist with everything from subject choices to future education planning.
Learners are also involved in the EKC Sheppey College Students’ Union and can take part in group trips, events, and social activities. They also have opportunities to engage in community projects that benefit their education and their communities.
Hear from our Digital and Engineering students:
Christopher – Engineering
“Now that I’ve passed GCSE Maths at College, I’m so excited to be studying Engineering. It seemed liked a logical next step for me after my Carpentry course.
“College has helped me quite a lot with my maths, especially the teachers. The support they gave was great and has made all the difference.”
Ashton – Digital
“The course has been great so far. Everyone in my class is friendly and I have rebuilt a friendship with a mate I have not spoken to since Primary School, we met in class on the first day and we are now good friends again.
“The main reason I chose to come to College is because you are treated like an adult, it is really different to school. There is respect between you and the lecturers and they are really supportive and help you wherever you ask.
“PowerPoint is my favourite piece of software we have used so far this is because I find it easy to use. I like to explore the templates on there, which really add to the look of the presentation, helping it look professional.
“We have started to use Photoshop and I am looking forward to exploring this software further moving forward.”
Kenzie – Digital
“I’m on the IT course because I want to learn how to use software like Excel to create spreadsheets. I’d love to go more in depth into the actual computing side of things, which could help me get a job in the future.
“There’s still a hundred things on Word that I probably don’t even know about, so I’m excited to learn more.
“This College is really nice. There’s a lot of nice teachers and students. There’s so many nice people and you get to have fun with all the different workshops we’ve got going on, including many enrichment sessions.
“The support is great in the classroom. My lecturer Jake is always really helpful. He knows what he’s doing and helps and encourages us as best as he can.”
How do I apply to Junior College?
Applications are open from 1 December until the end of March 2026.
After applying, students will attend a mandatory information session to learn about the programme and its expectations.
They then participate in taster sessions that include workshops in their chosen vocational area, baseline assessments in Maths and English, and team-building activities.
Both the student and their parent/carer will attend a meeting with a senior representative from EKC Sheppey College and a curriculum team member.
Applicants must also complete a subject-specific project at home and submit a school reference. During the admissions process, they receive career guidance to help them and their parent/carer make an informed decision about the programme. Applications are open until the end of March for a September 2026 start.
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