Skip to content

What is Junior College?

21 January 2025
EKC Sheppey Junior College is for Year 9 students who are interested in studying in the Digital or Engineering sectors. Learn more here.

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 or Engineering.

Find out more about this provision below. 

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 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 safe environment 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 Extra Support is Available?  

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 invited to be involved in 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 Students  

“I feel really pleased to have passed English today, with a Grade 4. I’m now continuing with other courses here at College. 

“I’m so happy – I never have to worry about GCSE English again!” 

Dylan, EKC Sheppey College Computing student 

 
 
 

“I’m definitely enjoying studying here. I get to edit all different pictures and text. Sometimes we have to use lots of different sets of skills, like when we make websites.” 
 
“I very much love how much I have learned to use the computers and how to edit different software. It’s a lot of practical-based work. You’ll always be doing something enjoyable and get to hands with the work.”  

Martin, Level 2 student at EKC Sheppey College 

How do I apply?

 
Applications are open from 1 December until the end of March 2025.

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 2025 start.

Apply today and start the first step in the process.