School Leavers

Our vast range of study programmes ensures you’ll find something you love, opening up more choices, opportunities and experiences.

You’ll receive excellent education from day one.

93% of last year’s students are now in further study or employment. Studying with us gives you strong future prospects.

Our latest industry environments ensure you’re ready for work.

We’ll make sure you achieve your best, whatever your needs. We have held the Matrix quality standard since 2004. Matrix is an independent organisation that measures and assesses the information and services we provide.

We have strong links with hundreds of employers in every industry area to find the best placement for you. This real life on-the-job experience will enhance your CV, preparing you for employment and giving you network opportunities for the future.

With our expert teaching, support and facilities… We’re so confident this will see you achieve the qualification you are studying with us, that if you don’t, we’ll give you £100 or refund any fees paid*.

Many of our course tutors are former or current working professionals in industry. What better way to learn about the real working world than from those who have been there?

90% of all full-time students recommend The Bedford College Group. Don’t just take our word for it – listen to our students.

All full-time students can progress to the next level with us* – we’ll help you progress and achieve your full potential.

* Terms & conditions apply

Think of your study programme as building up lots of different skills that will help you to stand out in today’s competitive market. Employers and universities are looking for much more than just a qualification these days, which is why we’ve designed our study programmes to include everything you need to be successful. Alongside your industry-recognised qualification, you’ll also study English and maths and improve your personal and employability skills.

You will either study at Intermediate Level and progress on to Advanced Level, or start at Advanced Level.

Your study programme will provide you with:

A nationally-recognised qualification
English and maths skills. If you have a grade D or 3 in GCSE English and maths you will be required to re-sit these qualifications. Those with a GCSE grade 2 or below will be required to study Functional Skills English and maths to work towards resitting GCSE English and maths.
Work experience. Every student will have a minimum of 20 hours per year/programme of external work experience
Personal development skills
Study skills
Employability skills
Possibility of additional vocational learning and qualifications, depending on the programme you choose.

Love them or hate them, English and maths are essential for work and education! Many employers complain that too many young people lack the literacy (English) and numeracy (maths) skills needed for jobs in today’s workplace. If you’re not yet ready for work, but want to continue in education, you’ll also find that entry on to higher level courses requires grades 9–4 or A*– C in GCSE English and maths. In short, they’re very important and we’ll help you get the grades you need.

Further or Higher Education
If you want to continue in education, you’ll find that entry on to higher level courses also requires grades A*-C or 9-4 in GCSE English and maths. The requirement to continue studying English and maths is not about resitting exams, but increasing your skills and widening your opportunities.

Work experience is a key (and fun!) part of your full-time study programme at College. We have strong links with hundreds of employers in every industry area to ensure we find the best placement for you. Every student has a minimum of 20 hours per year/ programme of external work experience.