Aspire 

Vocational 16-19 Programme

What is Aspire?

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

How to 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

Why work with us?

   

There are a huge number of benefits to having your students work with us, our success rate shows that 89% of the young people we work with go on to achieve a better outcome. Be this transitioning back into school, a managed move or onto college or employment.

   

Safeguarding at The Platform Project

We have a full safeguarding policy which ensures all students in our care are safe with any member of our team and on our premises.

See our safeguarding page here