Further education and training
There are many places in Southend where you can further your education. There are schools, colleges and institutions where you can study in the day or evening in a range of subjects.
- academic courses help you prepare for higher education at a university or college. They aim to develop your analytical skills, critical thinking and knowledge. They will usually lead to a qualification, e.g. A levels, BTECs
- vocational and professional courses give you the skills and qualifications you need to enter and succeed in your chosen career. They offer technical training and skills for the workplace, along with qualifications.
Many courses are free of charge if you are aged 16 to 18. If you are older, unemployed and in receipt of benefit or subsistence, the college fee will still be very reasonable. Fees are charged according to the length of the course and there may be extra charge if you need to borrow special tools. The classes are usually graded from Beginners (where you may know very little) to Intermediate (where you have some knowledge) and Advanced. Many classes are designed for a specific examination, such as GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) although people of any age can take the exam.