Parental Guidance

What is Further Education (FE)?

Your young person is getting ready to enter the next stage in their education journey, ‘FE’. FE stands for Further Education, as that is exactly what they are doing after school. This is their chance to specialise in the area or industry that most interests them.

This can either be through Vocational courses such as Diplomas and T-Levels, a more hands-on approach through an Apprenticeship, or three A-Level subjects.

All of these routes are the next step in helping your young person prepare for work or university. FE is free to all young people starting a course if they are aged 19 or under on 31st August prior to them starting college. However there may be additional costs for kit, uniform and trips.

Come & visit us!

We host a number of open events throughout the year at each of our campuses! This is a fantastic chance for you to visit with your young person, have a look around, chat to our tutors and get to know us a little better. Don’t worry if you can’t make it to one of our events, book a campus tour or you can watch our virtual events from the comfort of your own home.

Choosing the right course(s)

There are many qualifications to choose from at East Sussex College. Your young person may already know what they’d like to study, but don’t worry if they’re still undecided. Our highly qualified team can talk through all the options - looking at things like predicted grades, personal interests, and future goals. Our careers advisors are also on hand to guide and recommend next steps after college.

Safety & Wellbeing.

The safety and wellbeing of our students has always been our top priority. When your young person starts their journey with us, they will be allocated a personal tutor who will be their main contact for any questions, concerns, or problems. Our Safeguarding teams ensure that your young person is safe and protected. Our Wellbeing mentors provide a safe space for student’s to seek advice and support about any issues they may be facing, whether it’s college related or something more personal.

Additional Learning Support.

If your young person requires any additional support then our Additional Learning Support (ALS) team can help. They’re an incredibly important part of our college and can help with things such as learning difficulties and disabilities, inclass support, and assistive technology.

Financial Support.

Students joining us from school, aged between 16 and 18, won’t be required to pay any course or exam fees. There may be some additional costs for courses such as uniform, materials and equipment, or trips, but students may be eligible for a grant or bursary. This topic can be discussed in greater detail during your young person’s interview or at enrolment.

SCAN HERE TO... find out more about Financial Support.

Maths & English.

If your young person didn’t manage to achieve a Grade 4 in GCSE Maths or English, then they will be able to retake them at college. Depending on their grade and the outcome of a short assessment, we’ll be able to enrol students on the right level of course ensuring they can work towards gaining either a Functional Skills or GCSE qualification.

Education & Inclusivity for all!

As a college, we continually strive to ensure our college environment promotes diversity, respect, and inclusivity. We collectively recognise the value that disability, gender, race, sexuality, faith, culture, age, and background bring to our college. We strive to produce a work and learning environment that is safe and free from all forms of discrimation.

As a student of ESC, your young person is expected to treat others with respect.

Travel Guidance.

Our Eastbourne campus is on Cross Levels Way and has regular buses coming from Eastbourne town centre. It is also a short walk from Hampden Park train station.

Our Lewes campus is located right around the corner from Lewes train station and a short walk from Lewes bus station.

Our Station Plaza campus is right next to Hastings train and bus stations.

Our Ore Valley campus is a very short walk from Ore Valley train station, and our Automotive Training Centre is on the main bus route along The Ridge.

If your young person travels by train then they can purchase the 16-17 Saver railcard for £30 per year. This card saves 50% on all travel.

16-17 SAVER RAILCARD

Depending on the circumstances your young person may also be eligible for financial help towards the cost of travelling to college. Get in touch with our Admissions Team to find out more.