Rubi and Charlotte Reflect on their time at Junior College 

Junior College can be a natural stepping stone to help students succeed. We spoke to two catering students, Rubi and Charlotte, about their time at EKC Broadstairs Junior College and how it has prepared them for their next step, studying Catering at EKC Broadstairs College. 

Why did you apply for Junior College? 

Rubi: I had a lot of anxiety, and I wasn’t in a very good place. School wasn’t for me, so Junior College seemed like the perfect step in between school and being at home. 

Charlotte: I moved here in 2020 and I tried a school. I was there for about a week but it wasn’t for me so I left. My mum found Junior College and it seemed perfect. The classes weren’t too big and I’m not very good socially, so it was really easy for me to fit in. 

What stood out to you when attending Junior College? 

Rubi: As Junior College students, you’re able to access the whole of the campus like the student centre, which made me feel more mature. 

Charlotte: The fact that we do just GCSEs Maths and English meant that I had a lot less stress than having to do so many of them in regular school. And I’ve always loved catering, so it felt nice to specialise in it. 

How was the transition from Junior College to College? 

Rubi: I think going to Junior College before College has given me a head start. In the beginning of College, lots of people were asking me and Charlotte questions, because we knew a bit more than them in the kitchen. It was a nice feeling. 

Charlotte: I feel like transition from Junior College to College wasn’t so bad compared to transitioning from a regular school because I already knew my way around and knew the teachers. I also had a friend from Junior College join me in the same College course. 

Why did you choose to specialise in catering? 

Rubi: I’ve always liked baking. I’ve just always done it when I was younger, so when I saw it as an option for Junior College, I did immediately think, “I’m going to choose that one,” and then I’ve just carried on with it. 

Charlotte: I’ve always loved catering. I love helping my mum do the dinner and bake at home, so I knew I wanted to specialise in this. 

How did your two years at Junior College prepare you for College? 

Rubi: Junior College has given me more knowledge and more confidence. Being new is obviously quite scary, because it’s a new building, new teachers. But now we know all the teachers, we know our way around, and that can help us and help others get around. 

Charlotte: It gave me independence. The teachers and chefs in Junior College were really welcoming and you could go to them with anything. They’d give you advice on any worries I had. So, I was already comfortable with them when I started College.  

What advice would you give to a current Junior College student? 

Rubi: Be yourself. 

Charlotte: Don’t be too nervous. For catering, I’d say listen to the teachers because their advice is really good. It does help you to get better at it. 

If you are a Year 9 student (or home-school equivalent) and would like to apply to Junior College, visit our Junior College webpage to apply.