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GCSEs: Not the end of the road - it's just the beginning

Ken Liu with his exam results at Dartford Grammar School last year.
Ken Liu with his exam results at Dartford Grammar School last year.

Hundreds of Kent pupils will be finding out their GCSE results today.

And help is at hand to point people in the right direction.

West Kent College, which runs more than 500 courses, will be offering a free helpline service for students to discuss what options are available to them.

Courses vary from science, computing, and manufacturing to public service courses preparing you for the army, navy or royal air force.

~ Look here to find out more

A college spokesman said: “Whatever your results West Kent College has the course for you.

“September 1 to September 5 is Open Enrolment Week at the college so to sign up for one of our courses starting in September just come along to the Brook Street Campus in Tonbridge.”

The college also offers students assistance with CV preparation, job search skills and interview technique and has a business development unit dedicated to the training needs of local employers.


~ Listen: Monica Box South Kent College's interim principal on options other than A-levels>>>


South Kent College also offers apprenticeships for young people between 16 and 24 in engineering, motor vehicle and construction.

It enables you to get on-the-job training and experience as well as work towards National Vocational Qualifications revelant to your chosen occupation.

Mid-Kent College provides courses in an impressive range of subjects from sport, leisure and fitness, to computing and IT.

To find out more about the courses available to you at the college call 01634 402020.

Vanessa Cole, a personal adviser from Kent and Medway Connexions, said: “If you did better than you expected – great. Then why not review your options, it could be that sixth form or college is the right route for you, come and talk to us and we can help you make the best decision for you.”

~ Look here for interview tips

“If you didn’t get the grades you wanted - don’t despair, and don’t be too hard on yourself. There are still lots of options open to you and chances are you will still be able to find a way into the career you really want.”

“Keep an open mind and look at all the possibilities open to you. Come and talk to a Connexions personal adviser, who will have information on a range of jobs, courses and training opportunities to help you plan your next step.”

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Tutors from TBG Learning, which has a centre in Gravesend, will be visiting schools with information about alternatives to college, including Apprenticeships and the Entry to Employment (e2e) programme for 16 to 18 year olds.

It is a 22 week programme combining academic and work-related learning in areas such as nail and beauty, childcare or plumbing.

An important aspect of the programme is helping each young person with career advice, to prepare a CV, and develop their interview skills towards employment.

If you have left school this summer and have not gained a place in college or in employment, telephone TBG Learning Gravesend on 01474 566 588 or drop into the centre on King Street.

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