×

Course basket

Your basket is empty.
Skip navigation
Website search function

Home / School Leavers

School Leavers

Staying on at school may be the right and obvious choice for some but for others following the further education at Northern Regional College may be the best route to take to achieve their specific career aspirations.  At Northern Regional College we offer a diverse range of exceptional courses for young adults from digital media and performing arts, business and computing, engineering and science, hair and beauty, hospitality, tourism and sport to social care and early years, which will allow you to focus on a specific field of interest and take the first step towards where you want to be.
Here is a snapshot of the main differences of studying at Northern Regional College compared to school.

College ‘vs’ School

No Uniform
To help provide a more mature and relaxed environment.  

Timetable
Each course timetable varies, however students are typically timetabled for 4 days between Monday to Friday starting at 9.00 am.  Some courses finish at 5.00 pm.  Our timetable approach is flexible to encourage self-learning and self-motivation which will help prepare you if you choose to progress to university.

A Levels vs BTECs
A common theory is that the only way to get to university or to secure a good job is to study A Levels.  This is incorrect! An alternative option is Level 3 BTEC Extended Diplomas.  These courses are equivalent to 3 A Levels and offer the same opportunity to progress to university – 95% of higher education establishments in the UK accept BTEC students.  The main difference between A Levels and BTECs are:

  • BTECs are tailored to specific industry needs - they provide you with the exact skills necessary to either progress directly into employment or study at a higher level within that area.
  • With BTECs you study one subject area comprising of 16-18 modules around that topic for the duration of the course.
  • BTECs are largely assessed by assignments and practical projects whereas A Levels are 100% exams.

Many of our Level 3 students progress to university at the same time as their A Level peers with 89.58% of our students receiving university offers.

Education Maintenance Allowance

If you are aged between 16 and 19 (of commencing academic year) and enrolled on a Further Education course you can apply for EMA.  This is means tested.  You will receive £30 per week paid fortnightly, to help with the costs of continuing education.

Free Meals
If you are aged 18 or under on 31 July (of commencing academic year) and have a parent in receipt of certain benefits they may be eligible for free meals.

Travel Pass
If you are aged 18 or younger on 1 July (of commencing academic year) and on a full-time Further Education course you can apply for a travel pass.  This is not means tested.  This pass will enable you to travel to and from the College without charge.  Other criteria and age restrictions may apply.  

Excellent Quality of Teaching and Learning
Many of our lecturers continue to work as industry professionals and offer extensive knowledge and experience of their specialist area.

Modern Equipment and Facilities
All subject areas are delivered with the latest equipment and facilities to meet industry standards.

Practical work-based structure
All courses are designed to provide you with the skills required to meet the needs of employers with work placement as a core component of many courses.

Progression
Our courses offer exceptional progression routes. Qualifications are available from Level 1 through to Level 6 (Higher Education), all within the College. You can move onto more advanced qualifications in the same subject area or into new areas.

Excellent Industry Links
The College has excellent links with local, national and international employers who provide students with valuable placement opportunities, guest lectures and site visits.