West Thames College recently celebrated an Outstanding rating from Ofsted, and student Ben’s journey perfectly encapsulates the determination and growth that contributed to this achievement.
Ben has been a part of the College’s Fresh Start program for two years, a course designed to help students re-engage with education while focusing on core subjects like GCSE Maths and English, alongside vocational qualifications.
“I wasn’t very good at school,” Ben admits. “When my school said they would kick me out if I got suspended again, I knew I had to come here when they gave me the choice.”
The Fresh Start program at West Thames College is designed for students who have faced challenges in traditional school settings and need a supportive environment to re-engage with education. It offers a second chance to achieve core qualifications like GCSE Maths and English, alongside vocational skills, while focusing on personal growth and employability.
The Fresh Start program’s structured yet supportive environment has been transformative for Ben.
“I like that it is a more mature environment, and the expectations are more in line with employment,” he explained. “My behaviour has got a lot better, and I’ve developed skills in line with being employed, as well as strategies for the behaviours I showed in school. My maths and English grades have gone up, and it has opened up more opportunities for me.”
Through his time at West Thames College, Ben has honed essential skills like communication, timekeeping, and attendance, while also learning coping strategies that will serve him well in the future.
“It’s given me the opportunity to continue with my education and be prepared for my next steps,” Ben says.
