A college has taken the unusual step of offering school drop-outs £50 to attend a two-day course.

It is a way of trying to tempt 16 to 18-year-olds back into full-time education.
K College, in Brook Street, Tonbridge, hopes the financial incentive will make its Kick Start course more attractive.

College vice principal Bernadette Katchoff says its aim is to address the growing number of NEETS in the area - young people Not in Employment and Education or Training.

Ms Katchoff said: "Kick Start enables them to have two days of advice, guidance and support that could change their lives.

"Many of these particular young people have not done as well as hoped at school and we want to show them that college courses give them a fresh start by trying different job-related courses to find out which one they would enjoy the most."

She added: "To anyone who thinks this is not a good investment in our local young people, I would say that it is better to encourage people to come to college to use their time productively by increasing their employability skills."

The course has been rolled out at K College's four other Kent campuses in Tunbridge Wells, Ashford, Folkestone.

Following the taster sessions, youngsters can progress to a six-week course leading to a qualification, before becoming a full-time student.

The £50 fee will go towards travel, meals and expenses.

The college said it is in line with government strategy, which encourages schools and colleges to set up bursary schemes to help students who need financial support with studies.

It follows the government's decision last year to scrap the £30 a week Education Maintenance Allowance which was paid to all full-time students.

For more information on Kick Start, visit www.kcollege.ac.uk/kickstart.