Specailist Vocational Courses for 14-16 Year Olds

West Thames College works in partnerships with local schools to offer specialist vocational courses aimed at 14-16 year olds.

Key Features

We offer specialist vocational courses in subjects which are not always available at schools and are designed to give a real insight to the world of work.
Students have access to state-of-the-art equipment, studios and salons.
We work closely with schools and parents to ensure that students succeed, providing regular feedback at parents' evenings and through progress and attendance reports.

FreshStart

Are you looking for extra enrichment or an alternative to traditional schooling?

We are dedicated to supporting young people, their families, and our partners. Our flexible curriculum for 14-16-year-olds prepares learners for college with core subjects like English and Maths, alongside courses developing personal and employability skills. Our personalised approach ensures each student gains skills, qualifications, and confidence to overcome challenges. Progress is reviewed regularly, and students are encouraged to pursue higher-level qualifications if capable.

We offer Year 10 and Year 11 options, with 16 hours of on-site study over 3-4 days. Learners work towards a BTEC Level 1 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Vocational Studies and GCSEs in English and Maths, taking exams at the end of Year 11. Additional lessons include subjects like Sport, Travel, Business, Art, and trades such as Hairdressing or Multi-skills. Students also participate in enrichment sessions and receive career advice.

Year 10 students begin with Trading Places, with the option to progress to Year 11 FreshStart upon completing Level 1. Year 11 FreshStart is open to both returning and new students.

Applications are made by secondary schools or the local authority to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Course	More Information	Next Steps
Trading Places for Year 10s	Full time courses for Year 10 pupils who might be more suited to a college than a school environment.	Courses start in September, with applications accepted from January to March 31. Applicants and parents are invited for a tour and interview. For inquiries, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
FreshStart for Year 11s	Full time courses for Year 11 pupils who might be more suited to a college than a school environment.	Courses start in September, with applications accepted from January to March 31. Applicants and parents are invited for a tour and interview. For inquiries, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What People Say About FreshStart:

Ms Rout | Ark Putney Academy

Ms Rout | Ark Putney Academy
The Fresh Start programme has been a vital lifeline for our referred students, fostering a strong partnership between the school and the college. Communication regarding attendance, punctuality, and pastoral matters is effective, timely, and well-coordinated. The provision regularly welcomes the school for site visits to monitor progress and engagement. Assessment data and BTEC progress are consistently shared, and the programme demonstrates flexibility in adapting to meet the needs of individual learners.

Our students greatly value the mentoring and counselling opportunities provided, with some expressing a preference for this support compared to other in-school services or CAMHS. The programme also takes proactive steps to ensure students secure post-16 destinations, a level of support not always offered by other providers. We look forward to continuing this positive relationship and highly recommend the provision to other schools.
Ms L Clayton | Isleworth and Syon School

Ms L Clayton | Isleworth and Syon School
Two of our students have successfully completed the Fresh Start course at West Thames College, achieving GCSE qualifications in English and maths, as well as a Level 1 BTEC qualification in Vocational Studies. Both students faced challenges in the mainstream school environment but thrived in the college's small group setting and the practical aspects of the Vocational course. The college has consistently kept the school informed throughout the academic year about the students' progress and attitudes toward learning. We have worked collaboratively to support the students whenever issues arose. Additionally, the college has provided excellent guidance to the students regarding their next steps in post-16 education.
J Mumberson | Parent of Year 11 Fresh Start Learner

J Mumberson | Parent of Year 11 Fresh Start Learner
"I would like to thank you and your team for getting my son back into education. He has had a great year with you. While there have been ups and downs, your perseverance and consistency have been invaluable in keeping him on track and providing a steady presence in his life."
E Montano | Parent of Year 11 Fresh Start Learner

E Montano | Parent of Year 11 Fresh Start Learner
"I cannot thank you enough for all your hard work and dedication to my child. Well done to you and your team!"

English for Speakers of Other Languages (14-16 Year Olds)

Our ESOL 14-16 Years course is tailored to support 14–16 year-old students whose first language is not English and who aim to improve their skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes core subjects such as English and Maths (offered at Functional Skills or GCSE level), alongside employability training, personal and life skills development, Science, Humanities, and Physical Education (PE). Students will benefit from engaging, interactive teaching methods designed to make learning accessible and enjoyable, while also helping them focus on achieving their individual goals and personal targets through targeted support and tutorials.

Course	More Information	Next Steps
ESOL 14-16 Years	This full-time course supports 14–16-year-olds whose first language is not English, focusing on improving reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.	Send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.