
Pathways for young people aged 14 – 16
We provide young people aged 14 – 16 a range of opportunities to study with us. We recognise that everyone’s needs are different and we aim to support, inspire and help our students to become the best they can be. Our students are at the heart of everything we do and we will support and encourage them to plan for their future and achieve their goals.
We have three pathways available for young people aged 14 – 16 to study with us:
- Elective Home Educated students (EHE)
- Skills Academy
- Direct Entry
Elective Home Educated students (EHE)
We accept applications from established home educated students who are on a local authority EHE register and are old enough to be in the school year 10 or 11.
EHE students can study part-time with us as part of their home education programme and will work towards qualifications that are appropriate to their academic level. We offer English and Maths, alongside a tutorial programme that allows the young person to explore their plans for Post-16 study.
The delivery will be a mix of online lessons and face to face delivery within our dedicated 14-16 centre.
Parents or carers can apply to the College directly by completing the online Application Form. The young person will then be contacted for an interview, and if successful, will be offered a place.

Skills Academy
In collaboration with local schools, we offer students in Years 10 and 11 the opportunity to study a vocational qualification course in a College environment alongside completing their GCSEs at school.
Vocational areas offered include:
- Animal Care
- Childcare
- Construction
- Engineering
- Foundation Learning
- Games Design and Media
- Hairdressing
- Health and Childcare
- Learning for Living and Work
- Sport, Public Services (Military Profession) and Esport
Applications for the Skills Academy are made by the school, in agreement with the student and their parents/carers.
Direct Entry
Direct Entry is for young people aged 14 – 16 (school years 10 + 11) who will become full-time students with us. The focus if this provision is to support young people who are not benefiting from a mainstream school and are at risk of permanent exclusion.
Applications are made by the parent/carer in conjunction with the current school or Local Authority (the Council). Applications cannot be made directly to Barnsley College.
Once an application is made the young person will be invited to attend an interview and a taster day to see if they are suitable for the programme.
Direct entry students come to College in much the same way as they would attend school, Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 3.00pm. All students have a timetable of classes which includes:
- English
- Maths
- Science
- Personal, Social and Health Education
- PE
In addition to these subjects Direct Entry students choose a vocational option to study. These are:
- Animal Care
- Catering
- Construction
- Hair and Beauty
- Motor Vehicle
Direct Entry Student Policies
Please find below the policies that have been approved for our Direct Entry students.
14-16 Admissions Policy January 2022 to January 2023
14-16 Attendance Policy April 2022 to April 2023
14-16 Direct Entry Behaviour Support and Disciplinary Policy
14-16 Direct Entry Uniform and Dress Code Policy
Last updated: 19th May 2023