Key Stage 4 Vocational Opportunities Programme
Level 1 programmes
Equivalent to GCSE Grades D-G (new grades 3 and below)
Available to aged 14 Schools Applicants only.
The duration of the 14-16 programme is two years.
Subjects available:
For further information please contact Susan Gilding
All programmes are offered at Key Stage 4 and last for two years, beginning in Year 10. If you would like to take one of these courses you will need to have the agreement of your school.
All college staff teaching Key Stage 4 students have been DBS checked.
For further information about Forest College please contact Caroline Birchall-Slack
Expression of Interest Process for Schools
The process of expressing interest for Year 10 places is as follows:
- Expression of Interest is open 19th January 2026 – 16th February 2026.
- Requests will now be reviewed to allocate places. We cannot guarantee that all students will get their first choice as this will depend upon course capacity and demand for places. Where we cannot allocate a first choice, we will aim to allocate the second choice.
- Once allocations are confirmed, schools will be contacted by the fe-applications team with details of how to complete the formal application process.
Please note. KS4 applications will only be accepted through schools, parents and carers are unable to apply for their young person.
FAQs
What courses are available?
Courses run across several curriculum areas. Agricultural Engineering, Animal Care, Business, Construction, Equine, Food, Land & Environment and Motor Vehicle.
What are the 26/27 term dates?
| Thursday, 17th of September
Year 11 Vocational Courses Begin |
Autumn Terms Starts for Returning KS4 Students -Yr11 |
| Wednesday, 23rd of September
Year 10 Vocational Courses Begin |
Autumn Terms Starts for Y10 |
| Monday, 26th October – Friday, 30th October | October Half Term |
| Wednesday, 4th of November | Y10 Vocational Sessions Resume |
| Thursday, 5th of November | Y11 Vocational Sessions Resume |
| Thursday, 17th of December – Friday, 1st of January 2027 | College closed for Christmas Holidays |
| Wednesday, 6th of January
|
Y10 Vocational Sessions Resume |
| Thursday, 7th of January
|
Y11 Vocational Sessions Resume |
| Monday, 15th – Friday, 19th of February | February Half Term |
| Wednesday, 24th of February | Y10 Vocational Sessions Resume |
| Thursday, 25th of February | Y11 Vocational Sessions Resume |
| Friday, 26th of March, – Friday, 9th of April | College Closed for Easter |
| Wednesday, 14th of April | Y10 Vocational Sessions Resume |
| Thursday, 15th of April | Y11 Vocational Sessions Resume |
| Thursday, 6th of May | Last Vocational Day for Y11 Students |
| Monday, 31st of May – Friday, 4th of June | May Half Term |
| Wednesday, 9th of June | Y10 Vocational Sessions Resume |
| Wednesday, 16th of June | Last Vocational Day for Y10 Students |
NOTES:
Pre-16 Programmes sessions run from 9:30-2:30 on Wednesdays for Year 10 students and on Thursdays for Year 11 students.
GCSE Closure days
Please note, to support English & Math GCSE exams for Reaseheath College students, there will be college closure days planned into the academic calendar. The 2027 GCSE college closure dates will be supplied once the summer exam timetable 2027 has been released.
Do the courses run every year?
No. Courses will only run if enough students have applied to make a course viable to staff.
What is the academic level of these courses?
All curriculum areas run Level 1 courses therefore students must be working at Entry Level 3 Maths and English Level (approximate functional skills level).
Are the courses full time?
No, students attend one day a week, term-time only. Wednesday in Year 10 and Thursday in Year 11.
Do the student sit exams?
Yes. Some courses have externally set exams. All courses have practical and written assessments.
Can a student join in year 11?
If a student is to achieve a qualification, they should be registered at Reaseheath for the full 2 years from the beginning of year 10.
What are the timings of the day?
The day starts at 9.30am and finishes in time for a 2.30pm departure.
Is learning support available?
Schools send learning support as needed for practical and theory sessions.
Does Reaseheath College provide transport?
Schools usually provide their own transport transport. Full-time Reaseheath students have priority for places on college transport and permissions are needed for under 16’s to use the college buses.
What equipment is needed?
This will depend on the course and details will be provided before September. Basic clothing will be overalls and steel toe capped boots where appropriate.
What is the contact at Reaseheath for these courses?
Susan Gilding – susang@reaseheath.ac.uk, 01270 613194.
