Sponsored Editorial

If you think college is just for people aged 16 or over, think again!

Young learners in Folkestone are invited to experience the college lifestyle early at Folkestone College’s Junior College.

The opportunity to join is free to everyone aged 14, with all students being tutored in a range of subjects by lecturers who have a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Situated near to Folkestone Central train station and with regular bus services, it’s never been easier to access top quality education.

One of the many benefits a child will experience in Junior College life is being surrounded by peers of your own age or older. This creates an academic environment that serves as a perfect transition into College or Sixth Form education.

Folkestone’s Junior College is ideal for any young person with an interest in art and business, with an eye to entering the world of creative enterprise in the future.

The qualifications that can be achieved at Junior College are UAL Level 2 Art & Design, BTEC Level 2 Business, and PSHE Level 2 Extended Certificate in Personal Growth & Wellbeing.

These, along with GCSEs in English and Maths, take two years to complete.

Achieving these will open any educational pathway that a child may wish to pursue.

Alongside academic study, the Junior College offers a wide-ranging PSHE course. This allows the college to improve not just young people’s grades but also their mental and physical wellbeing.

Ella, who studies at Folkestone College’s Junior College, said of her experience: “It’s very creative and free – you’re really able to express yourself in your work and you don’t have to be afraid of who you are here.

“They are also very willing to support you and provide everything you need to do well.

“The Junior College is helping me in achieving my goal of becoming a doctor, because it has helped me overcome my fear of Maths and English.”

One of Ella’s classmates, Isaac, added: “It’s a place where you can meet like-minded people and spur on each other’s learning.”

Students noted that if they required any equipment to assist in their work, or requested specialist knowledge, they were able to approach lecturers from Folkestone College’s departments who go “above and beyond” to support them.

Michael Bowerman, who oversees Folkestone’s Junior College, said: “I really enjoy creating an atmosphere that allows our students to bring their creativity skills, whilst enhancing their understanding of key elements of business and art and design.

“I believe that providing students with a pathway they are passionate about, whilst combining core GCSE subjects, allows our young students to thrive and succeed.

“If you have the drive to achieve and are focused in joining the creative or entrepreneurial world in the future, then let us work with you to elevate you to the next level.”

Applications for enrolment to Folkestone Junior College are now open for the academic year 2022/23, with an information evening being held on Monday, January 17th from 4pm to 5pm.

For more details about enrolling at Folkestone Junior College, or to book your place on the information evening, click here.