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STEPS September

The STEPS programme is designed to develop the skills, attitudes and behaviours a young person needs to progress to their chosen next STEP.

Course Summary

Subject Area: Steps
School Leaver - Vocational/Technical
Full Time or Part Time: FT
Level: Entry
Number Of Years: 1
Interview Required?: Y
The Roundhouse

Apply now at: https://www.derby-college.ac.uk/course/steps-september
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Course Information for Students

The STEPS programme is designed to develop the skills, attitudes and behaviours a young person needs to progress to their chosen next STEP.

In addition to improving your maths and English skills, we will work with you to identify other skills you may need to develop to be successful.  This could include:

  • Communication skills
  • Working in a team
  • Confidence
  • Resilience
  • Time management
  • Skills for employment
  • Digital skills

If you are not sure about your next STEPS, or have not achieved the grades you need, this might be the course for you.
 

There are no formal entry requirements.

All applicants will have an individual advice and guidance interview to assess their needs and suitability for the course. 

You will work towards a maths and English qualification.  This could be either GCSE or Functional Skills depending on the grades you achieved at school.

You will have a weekly tutorial and complete work experience activities throughout the course.

We will work with you to establish if your next STEP is further education, employment or an apprenticeship and agree the skills you will need to progress.

Targets will be set, and these will be achieved through a range of activities that will include individual work, group work, enrichment activities, trips and visits, and employability activities.

You will have a support network that might include a personal tutor, youth worker, mentor and educational support workers.

This course will be delivered on-site.

N/A

You will produce a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate the achievement of personal targets.  This will be regularly reviewed with your teachers.

You will also sit a maths and English exam.

Any inclusion and support needs will be assessed and reviewed throughout the year and we will work hard to give you the support you need.

After the initial nine weeks, we will discuss if STEPS is the right course for you and you will continue on this programme for the rest of the year.  If you decide that STEPS is not right for you, we will support you with other options.

At the end of the year, students can progress to other study programmes within the College or into the world of work.

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk

Course Information for Employers

If you are an employer and would like to know more about the apprenticeships and professional training we deliver or how you can get involved in co-creating and co-delivering the curriculum, please contact us via email on businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk, call us on 01332 387 421 or visit our employer pages here.

Career Information

DCG Success Stories

Joshua Tonks

Joshua Tonks

Motor Vehicle transitions course puts Joshua on the right road

The transitions course at Derby College helped me get my apprenticeship and I'd recommend it to other people leaving school who are keen to get into the motor vehicle industry.

Read More about Joshua Tonks

Find out what funding could be available to you:

Thinking about returning to education or developing new skills? Use our funding calculator below to get an estimate of the financial support you may be eligible for based on where you live.

Whether you’re looking to retrain, progress in your career, or try something new, funding could make your next step more accessible than you think.

Simply enter your postcode into the calculator to see an estimate of the funding that may be available in your area. This is based on regional funding allocations and typical eligibility criteria for adult learners.

Important:

The results shown are a guide only and are not a guarantee of funding.

Funding availability can vary depending on:

  • Your personal circumstances (such as age, employment status, and prior qualifications)
  • The course you choose
  • Government and local funding rules at the time of enrolment

If you’re considering adult learning, there’s never been a better time to explore your options.

Our courses are designed to fit around your life, with flexible study options and expert support every step of the way.

Find out more about the courses available. Adult Courses

If you have any questions about funding, eligibility, or courses, our team is here to help. Contact Us


Applications for 2026 Full-Time School Leaver Courses are now CLOSED FOR PROCESSING*

If you’ve already applied for a full-time vocational or academic course, please check your InTouch account to view your application status and accept any outstanding offers. We may also be trying to contact you by phone, so keep an ear out for calls from the College — to ensure we are progressing your first-choice course area.

Haven’t applied yet?

Your next opportunity will be during our Open Enrolment sessions, starting Wednesday 26th August at 12pm. Please note that places will be limited and subject to course availability, entry requirements, and interviews. Find out more about Enrolment and Clearing Enrolment: Enrolment and Clearing Information 2026

Course Information Last Updated On: October 17, 2025 10:30 am