Not sure what to do after leaving school?
Here’s what you could study at Dearne Valley College
Finishing school is a big milestone, and for many students it’s also the beginning of thinking seriously about future careers and qualifications.
You might already know what you want to do next, or you might still be figuring it out – and that’s completely normal.
If you’re thinking about a hands-on course that helps you get into a job, apprenticeship, or even university later on, here’s why Dearne Valley College could be worth a look.
A different way of learning (that feels more real-world)
College isn’t like school.
At school, your timetable will no doubt have been packed with lots of different subjects every day, lots of classroom teaching and a stronger focus on exams.
At college, things feel more focused and adult. You’re doing one specific subject that more often than not matches the career you’re interested in, so learning starts to feel more connected to your future.
You’ll also notice a change in teaching style. As a vocational college, all our courses are designed to be practical and hands-on. Instead of just sitting and listening, you’ll often be doing things – building, testing, creating, practising or working in real-life scenarios linked to your subject. It’s all about gaining the skills you need for the job you want.
Tutors also tend to know your subject inside-out because many of them have worked in the industry themselves. That means you’re learning what actually matters in the workplace, not just what’s in a textbook.
They’re not Sir or Miss, and they give you more independence in how you learn and more responsibility for how you progress.
What’s the campus like?
We love our Dearne Valley campus, and our students do too. The campus environment is welcoming and supportive, helping students transition from school into further education.
It feels like a mix between a school, a workplace and a training centre, with learning spaces that feel closer to real jobs and industries.
Depending on your course, you could be learning in exciting settings such as:
- An Animal Care Suite with a range of live animals
- Construction workshops that feel like building sites
- Motor vehicle garages with real tools and vehicles
- A gym and sports centre
- Outdoor forestry and land-based areas
- Specialist health and social care suite with mock wards
You also get more independence in how you move around the campus and manage your time between lessons, which helps prepare you for working life where you’re expected to take more responsibility for your day.
That might be spending your free time in the Learning Hub to catch up on coursework, using the common room to meet with friends, grabbing some dinner from the canteen, or nipping to the on-site gym in between lessons.
What could you study?
Animal Care
If you love animals, you could study Animal Care and work with a range of exotic and domestic animals – from skinks, porcupines, sugar gliders and meerkats to rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and mice. At our specialist animal care suite exclusive to the Dearne Valley campus, you’ll learn how to handle, care for and understand animal behaviour.
Health and Social Care
If you want a job where you help people, Dearne Valley College also has a state-of-the-art health suite that’s training the health and social care professionals of the future. You’ll learn practical care skills using real equipment and training setups in our simulation health ward, putting them to the test on our AI mannequins.
Construction Trades
If you like working with your hands, Construction courses can help you learn skills like bricklaying, joinery or plastering. At Dearne Valley, our construction workshops are designed to help build the foundations for skilled career on the tools.
Motor Vehicle
If you’re interested in cars, the Motor Vehicle courses are geared up to help launch your career. You’ll learn how to maintain and repair vehicles, including electric and hybrid models, using industry tools and equipment. See more about our motor vehicle workshop.
Forestry and Horticulture
If you prefer being outdoors, you could learn in woodland and garden environments at Dearne Valley. This includes plant growing, land management and using professional outdoor equipment safely in our 12-acre forest.
Sport and Fitness
If you’re into sport, you could work towards careers like coaching, personal training or sports therapy. You’ll use gym and sports facilities and even take part in outdoor activities.
Esports
If gaming is your thing, Esports isn’t just about playing games. You could learn about team strategy, streaming and commentary, event organisation and game analysis. The Dearne Valley campus has a rare Esports gaming suite with high spec gaming PCs, retro games consoles, and VR equipment including the Williams F1 simulator.
Support for Every Student
Everyone learns differently, and college is about helping you find your path.
There’s also a FLEX programme for students who need extra support with independence, life skills or preparing for work. This includes calm learning spaces and practical day-to-day skills.
We also have a Project Based Learning Programme designed to support learners with social, emotional and mental health needs who feel anxious bout college or unsure whether they will adapt to the change in environment.
Higher Education Options (if you want to go further)
College doesn’t have to be the end of the road. If you want to keep studying, there are progression routes into Higher Education, depending on your course.
Many of the vocational courses have the option of advancing onto university level courses like a foundation degree or HNCs and HNDs right here at Dearne Valley College – a great option for those who don’t fancy moving away from home but want to keep upskilling and enhancing their education.
Animal Management student Finn Woodward did just that after realising that a traditional university setting wouldn’t be the right fit for them. They’ve been able to stay within the animal department where they know tutors and facilities, know what to expect and feel comfortable enough to keep learning.
“I prefer the intimacy of the classroom environment where you can ask questions to a tutor who knows your name and not wait for two weeks for a professor to get back to you,” Finn says.
“I also liked the idea that if, after one year, I didn’t want to carry on then I could walk away with that qualification. Whereas if you go to university to do a three-year degree and you leave after a year, that year counts for nothing. With this route, you can choose to keep progressing year on year or leave and go into work. It opens up a lot of different doors that people might not consider.”
Not Sure Yet? Our Open Day Might Help…
You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. There’s been a lot going on in your life, what with GCSEs and prom prep, that maybe you haven’t given much time to deciding what your next steps will be.
If that’s the case, why not visit us at our open event on Wednesday 10th June. This is our final event of the academic year and gives you a chance to look round the campus, see what courses we offer, and get a feel for what life could be like here come September.
You can see all our amazing facilities for yourself and meet the tutors who lead the courses, as well as some current students who will be on-hand to answer any questions about what being a Dearne Valley College student is really like.
There will also be talks about T Levels and Apprenticeships if these are options you’re interested in.
Places are free and you’re welcome to bring along an adult or older sibling for support. Book your place at our next open event and take your first step towards your future.