Entry 1 Foundations

Course Overview

This qualification is aimed at students who are transitioning into college from a specialist learning environment and require high levels of support. Students will have the opportunity to experience a range of vocational tasters, while identifying employability skills and improving independence. The course includes lessons in functional skills, literacy and numeracy, as well as encouraging physical fitness, wellbeing and creative expression.

Entry Requirements

You can apply online or by phoning our Advice and Guidance Team on 0208 394 3038. You will then receive an email inviting you in for interview. The interview consists of an initial assessment before having a meeting with a member of the teaching team.

During interview students will be assisted to identify additional support needs before establishing the right starting point. Candidates will need to show a desire to attend college before being offered a place.

Please bring a copies of your EHCP to the interview along with a list of previous achievements. We may not be able to photocopy on the day so we would be grateful if you could provide a copy for us to keep.

What the course covers

Learning Pathways
Our focus is to prepare students for a life after college and improve their life chances and choices. We have developed a curriculum to give students a clear pathway through the department to further education, employment or supported living. Students will be assessed to ensure they join their chosen pathway at the right level and are able to progress.

English and maths
Students on all pathways will study English and maths at an appropriate level until they reach Level 2 or GCSE Grade 4-9. It is important that students provide evidence of prior achievement as part of their initial assessment. Stepping Stone qualifications are available for students who are assessed as needing more than one year to develop the skills required to achieve a complete level.

Fees and funding

Please note:

• Students aged 16 to 18, or those aged 16 to 24 who have a valid EHCP, and are studying Further Education courses are not normally charged course fees
• Adults may need to pay a fee depending on their personal circumstances. This will be assessed against the relevant Funding Body eligibility criteria at point of enrolment

If you don’t qualify for fee remission, the fees for 2026/27 will be:

£420 (plus registration fee to be advised at enrolment)

Fees are for 2026/27 entry and apply to students eligible for home fee status enrolling to funded programmes. The fees quoted are subject to personal circumstances and will be confirmed at the time of your enrolment, depending on eligibility criteria. For more information about financial support for students, please click here or email studentfinance@nescot.ac.uk