The Aspire Pathway
The Aspire Pathway is a supportive one-year programme aimed at academically able young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Learners on the course focus on developing skills linked to their mental wellbeing.
Course Summary
Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
This course is aimed at learners with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH) who wish to focus on developing skills linked to their mental wellbeing such as building resilience and maintaining a growth mindset. This will enable them to feel confident and capable of taking their desired next steps towards a positive and independent future.
The Aspire Pathway allows learners to develop the transferable skills required to allow them to access the world of work and academic courses at Level 1 and beyond as well as independent living. Throughout the course, learners will develop their ‘mental wealth’ and leave College with the knowledge required to manage their anxieties individually so that they are able to achieve their goals.
Entry Requirements
You need a minimum of GCSE grade 2 or Functional Skills Level 1 in Maths and English. Places are allocated on an individual basis, following an interview and initial assessment.
What will you learn?
On this course, you will develop skills to help you create and develop a personal ‘toolbox’ of individualised support strategies to help you manage your mental health effectively so that you are able to access both further education and activities in the wider community. Lessons will be focused on wellbeing, accessing the community, employability and independent projects that are relevant to your personal and career interests.
The Aspire course follows the structure of ‘Steady, Ready, Go!’ to ensure that you feel able to take your next steps. Term one focuses on ensuring that you feel steady within your environment at College and feel able to access your learning. Term two focuses on supporting you to develop the skills that you need to be ready to achieve your goals and your chosen next steps. Term three provides you with access to options and the opportunity to try out different areas of academia or employment to make sure that you can go on to the next part of your journey and be successful.
There are no formal qualifications offered on this course. Learning is RARPA based.
How will you learn?
Based at the Ilkeston Campus, you will learn through a combination of classroom and community-based learning. The timetable is flexible and will be tailored towards the needs of the individual students.
What will you need to bring with you?
Basic stationery such as pens, pencils and a ruler are required. All other equipment needed will be provided. It is expected that learners will access the local community as part of their learning, so bus fare will need to be provided by the learner.
How will you be assessed?
Learners set targets which are then reviewed every half term.
Your learning support needs will be assessed and reviewed throughout the year.
Where next?
Students typically progress to programmes at Level 1 and above within academic or vocational areas of the College or advance to apprenticeships.
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Course Information for Employers
Information for Employers
Career Information
DCG Success Stories
Discover how our students have achieved success. Their hard work and dedication to learning has enabled them to succeed in rewarding careers or progress onto higher education.
We encourage progress and aspirational outcomes by guiding people onto learning pathways that lead to positive destinations. Our students have gone on to achieve great things since leaving the College. We would like to share some of their inspiring success stories with you.
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: May 20, 2026 9:09 am
