After the need to be safe, young people identify education as one of their greatest hopes.
Many have had disrupted or limited previous education and are arriving late in their schooling. There are many barriers in place to them accessing education including English language skills, recognition of existing qualifications or complex funding rules.
After18 works with them to maximise their educational opportunities so that they can fulfil their potential. We start when young people first arrive in Leicester and continue to support them through to university and beyond.
New Arrivals Group
When young asylum seekers first arrive in Leicester, it can take some time before they are able to access a place at school or college. To enable them to improve their English and numeracy skills and prepare to enter the mainstream education environment in the UK, After18 runs an educational orientation group for new arrivals twice a week. This includes:
- Beginners’ English
- Beginners’ Maths
- School readiness preparation
- Enrichment sessions
We also run an ICT drop-in on Wednesday evenings for young people looking to improve their computer skills. This session offers support for total beginners through to young people studying for ICT qualifications.
Education Drop-in
For young people attending school or college, After18 provides a weekly voluntary participation drop-in including:
- English classes
- Homework support in maths and sciences
- Planning a pathway into university or work
- Facilitating access to GCSE as private candidates
- Support for accessing a college place.
The drop-in runs on Thursday evening at our Leicester city-centre hub.
University Summer School
After18 has established a summer school in partnership with the University of Leicester to help young people thinking about going to university to start preparing their applications. The week includes campus tours of Leicester and Loughborough universities, application-writing workshops and advice on course options.
We then continue to support young people through the application process and help them to secure scholarships or funding sources for their course.
For more information on any of the education activities or to discuss the needs of young person please contact us.