ASPIRE

Vocational Programme

What is the ASPIRE Programme?

Aspire is a post 16 programme for young people who struggle in mainstream education or would benefit from a transitional year before taking their next steps into education, training or employment.


The programme runs like an internship and is based around the young person's interests, skills and learning requirements. We provide an opportunity for experiential learning with a range of practical and career-based projects.


This programme is particularly suited to those young people with SEND/SEMH needs who thrive in a smaller and more hands-on environment.

How it works

We hope that following your time on Aspire, you will be more prepared and confident to take your next steps whether that be college, an apprenticeship, work experience or employment.


Aspire is a 10 hours per week programme and will be running on Mondays and Tuesdays 9.30am-2.30pm. The Aspire programme lasts for a minimum of 6 months (3 terms) and a maximum of 12 months (6 terms). 


We run creative and practical modules giving you real life experience. 

Our Modules cover the following topics:

  • Personal Development
  • Enterprise
  • Life and Independence Skills
  • Community Impact
  • Employability Skills
  • Work Experience

All students that join us will finish the course with a King's Trust Qualification.


Alongside Aspire, students can also use our bolt-on Tutoring Service ‘Discover’* and receive tutoring in Maths and English (Functional Skills or GCSE)

*Additional cost applies

ASPIRE Programme Benefits

  • Transitional post-16 programme for young people struggling with mainstream education
  • Small group sessions in supportive environment
  • High flexibility with student interest-led practical modules and career-based projects
  • Improved engagement through hands-on learning suited to SEND/SEMH needs
  • Emulates a work internship environment preparing students for next steps


See our new youth work space!

Next steps...

  • Schools & Authorities

    If you are working with a young person who you think might benefit from this programme, please either get in touch to discuss their case or send in a referral. Every engagement is tailored to provide the most effective package of support that meets the young persons needs, so we will require as much information as you can provide us with such as their educational history, any risk assessments, official documentation such as an EHCP, and any safeguarding context. 

  • Students

    If you think this programme might be helpful for you we would love to hear from you! You can self-refer for our programmes and we will work with you to decide how we can best support you, identify any funding options, and make sure we fully understand how you need us to work with you so that you get the best out of the programme. The more you can tell us about yourself the better – understanding things like your hobbies, career goals and any fears or challenges you have helps us to make sure we can meet your needs. Get in touch if you would like to discuss how we can help or dive straight in and make a referral for yourself if you’re super keen!

  • Parents & Carers

    Our range of programmes have all been designed to support young people at various stages of life who may be experiencing a range of different challenges. If you think that one of our programmes might be able to help a young person you are caring for please do get in touch to discuss their needs and how we could put together a bespoke package of support to help. We work closely with other agencies to make sure that we can provide wrap around support, so any information you can provide us with regarding their educational history, any mental health or lifestyle challenges, and any additional needs they have it is hugely helpful to make sure we can support them as effectively as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost?

    Aspire currently does require funding which can come via an EHCP or can be privately funded.


    The course is £30 per hour per student which is £300 per week. Students must be booked onto this course for a minimum of 3 terms.  The approximate cost for 20 weeks is  £6000 – funding can come in termly or in an advance payment.

  • Can I add on tutoring to this programme and how much does it cost?

    Yes! We run a tutoring service which you can add as a bolt on to Aspire.


    Tutoring is £45 per hour and we can support in Maths and English (Functional Skills and GCSE)

  • Does this course have a qualification?

    Yes, we are an accredited provider for the King's Trust.  Students can gain Level 1 and 2 qualifications in areas including enterprise, personal development or teamwork.

  • How long does a session last?

    Sessions are five hours long.  9:30am - 2:30pm, two days a week. 

  • What is the age range for ASPIRE?

    16-19 years

  • How many students per course?

    We take a maximum of 12 students per course and spaces are on a first come, first served basis. 

  • Do you support young people with high needs?

    We are open to supporting all young people but would request that if your young person requires 1:1 support that you provide this support for them. We also encourage visits prior to joining to ensure it’s a suitable course.

  • How can I make a referral or apply for this course? (Funding is required)

    We recommend visits ahead of applying.  To organise a visit or to find out more about the programme you can email fiona.simpson@platformproject.co.uk


    If you are a young person with an EHCP, then we recommend you/your parent or carer speak with your EHCP coordinator who can support with an application and take it to panel for approval.


    If you are making a referral on behalf of a young person, please download our referral form here.


    If you hold a personal budget or would like to make a private booking, then please download our referral form.

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Safeguarding

This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all of our staff and volunteers to share this commitment because we believe that safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility. All postholders (paid staff AND volunteers) are expected to work in line with our safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures and all positions are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and check against the barred lists via the Disclosure and Barring Service.