YOUTH COLLEGE:
AN ALTERNATIVE
LEARNING EXPERIENCE
UPDATE
For academic year 24/25, schools have already reserved 70/70 spaces. As a result, we are currently at capacity for next year.
WAYS TO STUDY
YOUTH COLLEGE
Youth College is an alternative education programme, available at South Tyneside College, part of Tyne Coast College. Students follow a core offer of maths, English, science and PSHE alongside a substantive vocational programme and impartial Careers Education Information and Guidance.
Who will the programme benefit?
The framework is aimed at Year 11 students only and is suited to:
- Students who have struggled with attendance Post Pandemic.
- Those in elective home education*, wanting a return to a mainstream setting. Students that are currently electric home education will need to be part of a school roll before making an appointment.
- Students struggling to engage with a mainstream curriculum.
Who is it NOT for?
Youth College should be seen as an early intervention option. It is not suited to students close to permanent exclusion.
Why choose us?
- Learn relevant skills
- Smaller class sizes
- Outstanding facilities
- Dedicated Youth College area
- Part of TyneMet College
- Tutors with industry experience
- Tutors who listen and understand
- Educational visits and guest speakers
- Meet new people
- More grown-up environment
- 98% positive progression
- Progression opportunities to higher level college courses
The Youth College Experience
DAILY TIMINGS
The day will run from 09:00 to 15:30 each day with a break*.
Lunch will be included.
*Subject to group/departmental timetable timings may vary.
CORE GCSES
Alongside the main curriculum area, all of our Youth College students will study those essential core GCSEs*, which include:
- Maths*
- English language and literature*
- Combined Science
VOCATIONAL COURSES
Students should think carefully when selecting this part of the study programme. We want all students to enjoy what they choose to study, and it should be something that they think they’d like to do as a career. If they’re not sure, or they don’t know, don’t worry, our team is on hand to talk through the options with them.
Vocational courses you can study include:
- Engineering
- Construction
- Hairdressing
- Beauty
- Health
- Social Care & Early Years
ADDED VALUE QUALIFICATIONS
For many of our programmes, additional qualifications are attached to them. For example, dermatitis awareness, exercise studies and food hygiene.
APPLYING AND ENROLLING
HOW TO APPLY
Students can express an interest through www.stc.ac.uk or by calling 0191 427 3900.
All appointments need to be made through your child’s home school. Please consult with your child’s Headteacher/Pastoral Lead to enquire if they can reserve a space for you at Youth College.
WHEN IS ENROLMENT?
For the 2024/25 academic year, STC are working closely with South Tyneside Local Authority and schools in the local community to secure 70 places for learners. The identification and application process will take place in the Spring term in the 23/24 academic year. Students identified in this process will engage in a trial period in the final half term. Successful students will officially enrol on an SLA model in September 2024.
ONE OF THE HIGHEST OFSTED RATED COLLEGES IN TYNESIDE
After being rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in February 2024, they had some great things to say about South Tyneside College:
- Lecturers are skilled at leading discussions, which build learners’ knowledge and develop their ability to think critically.
- Managers have a good understanding of the risks that learners and apprentices face in their communities.
- Learners and apprentices enjoy their learning and feel valued by staff. They flourish and develop their resilience and self-confidence as a result.
- The College provides an interesting range of cultural events that encourage learners from different backgrounds to meet together and celebrate their diversity.
- Lecturers share their expertise and bring the curriculum to life.
- Learners and apprentices have access to high-quality training facilities.
- Learners enjoy demonstrating their new knowledge when completing more practical tasks and are proud to be part of the college community.
- Lecturers have high expectations of learners to work to the professional standard required in industry.
- All staff provide an inclusive atmosphere.
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GOT A QUESTION?
Youth College is for 14-16-year-olds who are interested in a more vocational programme of study as an alternative to a traditional school curriculum.
Learners will stay on the school roll and join STC Youth College on an SLA model. The full year cost is £7000 based on 32 weeks. Payment is upfront for the year (students interchangeable if there is a failed placement).
Students need to make arrangements for their own travel.
If a student wants to join our Youth College, there are two ways to do this. If a student currently attends school, they must speak to the school first to seek their support with the application process. The school will then contact our Youth College Manager to progress the application process. If a student is electively home educated, the parent or carer can contact the Youth College Manager directly to progress the application process.
Schools will give the Youth College Manager information about the student. The student will then be invited into college for a taster session, followed by a meeting with the Youth College Manager, Programme Leader and a member of the SEND Team, if appropriate. After this initial meeting, students will be invited back to college to complete assessments in English and maths. If successful, students will be offered a transition place on one of our programmes. If the student successfully completes the six-week transition period, they will then formally become one of our Youth College students.
If students join us in year 11 and are successful, they’ll have many opportunities to progress into their chosen career pathway, like joining one of our further education programmes or becoming an apprentice.
No – for safeguarding purposes. Youth College learners are kept in bespoke groups and are only ever taught with other Youth College learners.
Youth College students have their own common room, so they can meet other Youth College students of the same age, where they can socialise, relax and seek support from staff. Youth College students also have full access to all communal areas of the College that are used by Further Education students.
This all depends on the programme of study the students have chosen. For example, some Youth College students will have their skills assessed in the Salon, workshop or kitchen, whereas other assessments could include assignment writing or presentations. For maths, English and science, we assess in line with national assessment guidelines and could include teacher assessments or exams.
There are internal work placement opportunities, for example, in the Salon or our kitchen and restaurant that are both open to the public.
We have a range of sporting activities available across the College that our Youth College students are welcome to participate in.
Yes, students will get the chance to attend a variety of trips and visits over the year that are designed to build character and teamwork skills.
The FSM value will be accredited to a card for the student to spend in the refectories at either site.
Students will report to the Youth College Attendance Officer who will then relay the information to the student’s school. If a student does not arrive by 10am, a first day response call will be made by the Attendance Officer, after which contact will then be made with the school.
We have robust safeguarding procedures in place to keep our Youth College students safe and to protect their well-being. Attendance text alerts are sent to parents and carers if a student is not present when a register is marked. Email alerts are sent to key staff, who will contact the parent or carer to confirm why the student is absent.
Our Youth College students are supervised during all timetabled lessons and are only allowed off site during lunchtimes if their parent or carer has given consent. Youth College students won’t be allowed to leave college for any reason until consent has been given by the parent or carer.
Our Youth College common room is only available to year 11 students, and is supervised by a member of staff.
If you want to know more, check out our policies and procedures.
Want to know more?
Speak to us for full information on the vocational courses we offer.
Get in touch
Our team is always ready to help. So if you have questions on courses, your career, or anything else, complete this contact form and we’ll be in touch.