Education and training

Coronavirus (COVID-19): change to service

During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we have made changes to our services for vulnerable adults to make sure that they are both effective and safe.

See further information about changes to services.

Further education

There are a wide range of subjects and qualifications to choose from. You could study for academic qualifications such as AS or A levels or work related qualifications such as BTECs, NVQs and work towards awards, certificates or diplomas. You can choose to study at:

• a school sixth form
• a sixth form college
• a further education college
• a specialist college

You will be able to go to open days/evenings to help you make a decision and get a feel for what they're like.

Financial support

Course fees are free for all young people under 18 and support for young people over 19 will be discretionary.

If you are under 19 on the 1st of September of the academic year that you would like to study, you will be eligible for a bursary of £1,200 per academic year from your college through the 16 to 18 Bursary Fund. This pays for travel to and from the place of study, necessary books, equipment, materials and educational visits. This is linked to a minimum attendance of 90%.

If you are over 19 at the start of the academic year, financial support can be applied for through the college discretionary fund.

Support with childcare costs is also available under the Care to Learn Scheme for young parents aged 16 to 19 who want to return to education or training.

Useful links

Bournemouth and Poole College 
Brockenhurst College 
Kingston Maurward College 
Paragon Skills 
Skills and Learning Adult Community Education - Dorset 
Sparsholt College 
Aim Community
National Careers Service
Virtual School Information
UCAS - Undergraduate Getting Started - Care Leavers
Student Finance Advice
Special Educational Needs and Disability offer