At North Hertfordshire College, we offer a wide range of courses to help our students achieve their goals, whether academic or personal.
From post-GCSE qualifications at Entry to T Level, Employability programmes, apprenticeships, adult courses, and much more – there is a programme for everyone.
Take our Springboard provision, for example. Springboard is designed for school leavers who have been diagnosed with or exhibit traits of autism, as well as associated emotional and mental health needs. Springboard learners may also have low confidence or self-esteem, social anxiety or have underachieved or missed time at school.
Springboard is a full-time course that provides the support, knowledge, skills and confidence needed to become more independent, make informed decisions, and progress to employment.
This specialised provision can really make a transformational difference in the educational journeys of our learners. We recently received a heartfelt email from the parents of a previous Springboard learner which sums up what this provision can do for young people.
Have a read below:
“Dear Mickaela and Jennie,
“This student was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 11. He experienced three different primary school settings before being home educated and then trying a mainstream secondary school.
“He was not able to access a classroom setting and spent time in a small room within the school by himself, with work set. The secondary school were supportive, but it became clear that they were unable to meet his needs, and he spent more and more time at home and out of education.
“After years of non-attendance at secondary school, a mentoring organisation got involved and gradually supported him to access activities outside of the house.
“Despite a gradual process, mentoring proved quite successful, and he joined Springboard when he was 18. Initially, this student joined with a reduced timetable, and his mentor assisted with journeys.
“Within one term, the student was asking to increase his hours at Springboard, began engaging well with staff, and started to build relationships with his peers, despite not having any previous friendships.
“He was able to gain Functional skills English and Maths qualifications, and his confidence improved exponentially. There were lots of safe opportunities to try things and guidance with social situations – support that felt real.
“This student then started to explore what else North Hertfordshire College could offer him. With the support of Springboard staff, he was gradually introduced into other curriculums, and progressed onto a Level 2 course.
“Thanks to the staff at NHC, the transition was seamless.
“This student went on to achieve the highest grade in his class and was awarded Student of the Year for his subject-cohort at the Student Showcase Awards.
“This student has now started a Level 3 course, and he gets the highest possible grades.
“At the very start of his journey, he was reluctant to even try or start attending Springboard. However, it’s now clear that Springboard was a real turning point in his journey, it enabled him to start enjoying learning again.
“Our college experience has been very different to our primary and secondary experiences. This student found North Hertfordshire College to be a place where he felt safe, and able to be himself completely.
“The learner has since started a Level 3 course at the college and continues to gain the highest possible grades while enjoying his time there. His attendance is 100%.”
We wish this learner the very best of luck for the future!
If you’re interested in finding out about North Hertfordshire College’s Springboard programmes, check out our Springboard page.