I’m a school leaver and was unsure on what to do next

Meet Sabina

School Leaver, Sabina, talks to us about making the decision to choose Coventry College after she had finished her GCSEs. She was worried she’d left her application too late because she wasn’t sure what she wanted to study – and where! She managed to secure a last-minute place at Coventry College and now couldn’t be happier!

I still hadn’t made a decision on my next steps after I’d finished by GCSEs

Completing my GCSES during the pandemic was really challenging, especially having to learn at home and I was worried about my grades too. I was questioning what I wanted to do next as a school leaver. Did I want to continue with my studies at sixth form – where most of my friends were staying or try something new at college like an Apprenticeship?

The deadline date to apply got closer and closer and I had still not made my decision with what I wanted to do once I had left school.

I was really stressed as it was only once the deadline date to apply had passed that I realised I wanted to choose the Further Education route at college.

The school I went to has a sixth form, but I didn’t feel like staying there because I was ready for a change of scenery. I had looked at Coventry College previously and was really impressed with the great variety of courses they offer, and the fact that the courses have a work placement element to them – something that I wasn’t sure I’d get if I’d have stayed at sixth form. It was also great that the College wasn’t too far from where I live!

My experience of applying for a last-minute place at Coventry College

The staff at Coventry College made my experience less stressful when applying for a last-minute place. I got in touch with the College over the phone. I let them know I was a school leaver who wanted to carry on with Further Education but unsure what route and course was best suited for me.

They told me all I had to do was book a place at enrolment to apply for a last-minute place. When I arrived at enrolment I had a one-to-one session with one of the tutors at the college where they asked me about my skills, interests, grades and experience. The tutor provided super useful information, advice, and guidance, then went through all of the different courses that they thought would be suitable for me. I was given the option to find an Apprenticeship or choose a vocational qualification.

I love getting stuck in with group projects and having a more practical-based approach, so decided that the vocational qualification would be best for me.

I have always been interested in the media and loved anything creative – so was so happy to be enrolled onto the Diploma in Film, TV and Radio Production! College has great media facilities, like their TV studio – so I’m now learning all the skills needed for a great career in the industry in a real working environment – not just learning in a classroom.

The course allows me to learn about different sectors in the media industry and get a great amount of experience.

When I look back, I don’t know why I was worrying so much! I absolutely love it here at Coventry College. To all you school leavers out there – if you still haven’t decided on your next steps, I would highly recommend having a chat to the team at Coventry College. It’s the best decision I’ve made.