What is Junior College?

The Junior College programme at EKC Broadstairs College is a unique opportunity for students going into Year 10 (or the equivalent if home-schooled), who want to specialise in Catering and Hospitality, or Sport. Find out more about this special provision below. 

What is Junior College?  
 
EKC Broadstairs Junior College is for Year 9 students (or those who are an equivalent age if home-schooled), who are interested in studying Catering and Hospitality, or Sport and would like to specialise during their Year 10 and Year 11 studies.

It is a unique two-year provision that blends academic learning with practical, industry-based training, helping students explore career interests early on.  

This two-year course includes specialised studies along with core subjects like GCSE Maths, English, PE, and PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education).   
 

Where is the Junior College based?  

The programme is set within its own area of the EKC Broadstairs College campus, with specialised tutors and staff onsite to support, nurture, and teach the students in a small class setting.   
 

What is the Catering and Hospitality, and Sport specialisms at Junior College?  
 
Students will choose from Catering and Hospitality, or Sport to focus on over the course of the two years. All Junior College students have access to College facilities and will learn with industry-standard equipment to grow their confidence in their chosen career.  

Students will build their skills in their specialised area as well as GCSE Maths and English, Physical Education, and Wellbeing PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education).

The Junior College programme offers a safe environment with distinct lanyards, so they are easily identified as pre-16 learners for safety and community purposes. Direct progression routes are available to learners when they are ready to move into Further Education at the end of the programme.   

What Extra Support is Available?  

There is extensive support available to students. Students can access wellbeing support teams and Careers Advisors who assist with everything from subject choices to future education planning.   
 
Learners are also invited to be involved in the EKC Broadstairs College Students’ Union and can take part in group trips, events, and social activities. They also have opportunities to engage in community projects that benefit their education and their communities.   
  

Hear from a Student:

“At school I wasn’t learning the subjects that I wanted to take for my dream career, which is why I came to study at Junior College.

“Here, I get more opportunities to focus on sport and work towards a career, whereas in school I didn’t get that choice and the time focused on sport there was very limited.

“I have also worked with the 16-18 students who are from the main College in lessons and during sporting activities. I feel like I’m becoming part of their group, and I don’t see myself as a younger student.

“I never feel like I can’t get involved with the wider activities they can just because I’m in Year 10.” 

-Teagan, Junior College student specialising in Sport.

How do I apply?  

Applications are open from 1 December until the end of March 2025 on our website.

After applying, students and parents/carers will attend a mandatory information session to learn about the programme and its expectations.

They then participate in taster sessions that include workshops in their chosen subject area, baseline assessments in Maths and English, and team-building activities.

Both the student and their parent/carer will also attend a meeting with a senior representative from EKC Broadstairs College and a curriculum team member.   

Applicants must also complete a subject-specific project at home and submit a school reference.

During the admissions process, they receive career guidance to help them and their parent/carer make an informed decision about the programme.

Applications are open until the end of March for a September 2025 start. Ready to take the next step?