Step Up Case Study – College Connect+ - Proof that the right support can change everything

The student attended a local secondary school and, during their GCSE years, became unwell and was subsequently diagnosed with a lifelong medical condition. As a result, their attendance was significantly affected, leading to missed coursework and a decline in academic progress. Consequently, the student left school without achieving any GCSE qualifications.

Following this, the student enrolled in the College Connect class through the StepUp programme. By this stage, their medical condition was well managed, enabling them to attend regularly and rarely miss a day. During their time on the programme, the student successfully achieved Level 1 qualifications in English, Maths, and Vocational Skills, as well as a Level 2 qualification in ICT.

In September 2025, the student was accepted onto a Level 2 Youth Work course and has since applied for a Level 3 Hair and Beauty course starting in September 2026.

When asked about their experience in College Connect, the student said:

"After leaving school with no qualifications, I was worried what I was going to do as I was not able to get on to any other courses with no qualifications. The class was a real life saver for me and made me feel like I could achieve some basic qualification to help me to get to where I wanted to be. I enjoyed the guest speakers that came into class and the career guidance my mentor gave me was amazing, she made me believe in myself again' .

The student has now been offered a place on their course beginning in September.