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School Leaver Mini Guide

Dream it, believe it, make it happen!

Start now and make your dreams happen. Studying with us can give you the qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience to make a real difference in the world and achieve your goals. 

Students are at the heart of everything we do and your success and achievements mean the world to us. We will inspire and support you to be the best you can be. Studying with us is the beginning of your story. 

You have the potential to be amazing. Let's make it happen!

Which route is right for you?

SEN Local Offer

16-19 small group funding tuition

Brand-new school leaver prospectus

Maths and English for a Successful Future

Maths and English are important life skills that will help you to achieve your best in your studies and to progress to your dream career.

Why college is different to school

A fresh start

Starting college is a great opportunity for a clean break and to become the person you were destined to be!

New people

Our diverse student community means that you will meet lots of new people of different ages, backgrounds and interests, so you can enjoy making lifelong friendships!

Specialist Staff

Most of our staff are industry savvy and are experts in the subjects they teach. They have lots of valuable experience and knowledge to pass onto you!

More Independence

College is a more mature and relaxed environment than school and you are treated like an adult. You’ll be on first name terms with your lecturers so no more Sir and Miss! You can also start to make your own decisions.

Free time

Your timetable will be very different to school! You’ll have timetabled-free periods for study, extra-curriculum activities or a part-time job.

Different environment

A different learning environment at college could inspire you and provide a new motivation to achieve your goals!

More choice

A college can offer a much wider choice of A-Level subjects, plus vocational courses in lots of different subjects and at different levels.

More opportunities

You’ll have lots of opportunities to take part in activities outside of the classroom to boost your confidence and develop essential life skills and personal qualities.

Specialist facilities

A college can invest in an extensive range of industry-standard facilities to give you the skills and knowledge to prepare for university or employment.

Student in common room

93.1% of our students have progressed to further study, university of employment.

(*Based on 16-18 year olds destination data, 2019/20 academic year)

Why choose Sunderland College?

100% overall A-Level pass rate

Summer 2021

97.4% of our apprentices progressed to employment or further study.  

Destination data for Sunderland College 2019/20, Apprentice completers. 

Our excellent student support services and expert staff will help you reach your potential.

Recognised regionally and nationally for our high-quality approach to careers education

Getting you ready

Top Tips for new students

Follow our top tips to make sure you have the time of your life at college!

Find out more

Information for parents

As a parent you want the best for your child and so do we! At Sunderland College, students are at the heart of everything we do and we will support your child to grow, achieve their ambitions and reach their true potential.

Our Student Transport Scheme with Go North East provides free travel to college for eligible students.

92% of our students agree that the teaching on their course is good.

(Sunderland College On-programme Survey 2017)