What’s The Difference Between School and College?

As young people start their final year of school they are faced with a dizzying array of options: A Levels, technical courses, and apprenticeships – it’s no wonder so many feel confused! One of their biggest decisions is whether to remain in the school environment they know and perhaps love, or to launch out into the undiscovered world of college. 

In some ways school and college are similar. Students are expected to behave in a responsible and mature way; attendance in class is compulsory and deadlines are expected to be met for submission of work.

"But we focus on helping students become both university and work ready, with facilities designed to reflect real workplaces."

One of the key differences is the focus on work-readiness throughout the programme and the timetabled sessions are combined to form your own personal Study Programme.

Study Programmes will include:

• Your chosen vocational or technical course
• Maths and English (unless you have a grade 4 or above)
• Work Experience
• Professional Development
• Directed Study (independent learning)

You will receive information on all of these elements at Enrolment and on your induction days.

One of the biggest differences from school are the facilities. At Gloucestershire College we have the latest equipment and build working envionrnments to learn and develop in. This includes:

• Engineering and construction centres
• Professional catering kitchens and commercial restaurants
• Air Cabin Crew room
• Hospital ward and Early Years classrooms
• Hair and beauty salons open to the public
• Fashion and photography studios
• Motor vehicle workshops
• Recording studios; theatres; Mac suites and more.

We even renovate houses in Gloucester which over 400 of our construction students work on to gain real on-site experience. 

Your child is unique and needs to make the choice that suits them. It’s important that prospective students take every opportunity to familiarise themselves with the environment and expectations before starting – so do come along to our open evenings or visit a parent information session.