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Why choose EKC Dover College after Year 11? 

23 March 2026
In this blog we explore why we think you should choose EKC Dover College.

The time has come to think about next steps after Year 11, maybe you’ve already decided on the sixth form route: you’d be able to stay at the same school, it is really familiar and all your friends will be there. 

The time has come to think about next steps after Year 11, maybe you’ve already decided on the sixth form route: you’d be able to stay at the same school, it is really familiar and all your friends will be there.  

We get it completely, but have you considered all your options? It is really important you make an informed decision; this is your future.  

Read on to learn the benefits of choosing EKC Dover College. 

Focus on one subject 

At College you will choose one subject to focus all your efforts on. This gives you time to grow your skills in the area you are most interested in. You’d be amazed how much you’ll learn and progress when you can dedicate your time to just one subject. 

We have a wide range of courses for you to choose from and impressive facilities which replicate a real work environment. For example, if you study Automotive you will be working in our motor vehicle garage, if you study Hairdressing you’ll work with real clients in our salons. Open Days are a great way for you to explore our campus and see our facilities for yourself. 

Work placements  

During your time at College, you will complete a work placement. This placement will give you an idea of what it will be like to work in the industry you’re training to enter. Your placement will help to preparing you (and your CV!) for life after College.  

We have dedicated staff to ensure that we find the perfect work placement which suits you and your long-term career goals. They are called Industry Liaison Officers, ILOs for short, and will be able to link you with the top employers around Dover. 

If you decide to study a T Level you will have a 45-day work placement, this gives you time to really understand the sector you are entering, developing your skills as an employee and putting all your learning from College into practice. 

Will completed his T Level Digital Support Services placement as an IT Technician at a company called Fresh Start. He explained: “My T Level work experience has helped me massively by developing my personal skills even further, and my placement employer even offered me a job.” 

Unique opportunities  

Have you wanted to travel while you study? This is possible at College. Last year, we took some of our Automotive students over to Lebrija in Spain to complete their work placements. This gave the students a brilliant experience be able to explore another country whilst learning skills that will help them as mechanics.   

You’ll have the chance to take part in various Inter-College competitions. We are part of a wider College group called the East Kent Colleges Group, there are six Colleges in our Group including Dover. Our Colleges will challenge each other to various exciting competitions. In the past, these have included a football tournament and go-kart race at EKC Broadstairs College. Bragging rights for the champion College last at least a year! 

Student experience  

At College you are given the freedom to manage your own time, you’ll call the lecturers by their first name and be able to head into town to get your lunch. Many students find this freeing and feel as though they’re treated like an adult. This will help your confidence grow and you feel more independent, preparing you for future study at university or entering the world of work.  

At College you will be a member of the Students’ Union, known as the SU. This is run by the students for the students, to make sure that you have the best possible experience whilst at College. The SU works with the College’s Student Experience Officer. They are responsible for organising trips and activities to enhance your time outside of your classroom. Previous events have included going to see Wicked: The Musical in London, visiting Christmas Markets and end of term parties.   


Here are just a few of the reasons why EKC Dover College is a great option for you after Year 11. We always suggest visiting us at an Open Day so you can see the campus for yourself, meet tutors and make the right decision for you and your future.