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Derby Study Programme Open Day Draws Strong Interest Ahead of GCSE Results Day
- Aug 12
- 3 min read
With GCSE results just around the corner, thousands of young people across Derby are weighing up their next steps. For those unsure whether college is the right fit, the new Derby Study Programme offers a welcome alternative.
Workpays hosted an open day on 30th July at its Babington Lane centre, giving local families and referral partners a first look at the programme ahead of its September launch. The turnout was strong, with parents, carers, external agencies and prospective learners coming through the doors to see what the centre has to offer.
A Different Path for Results Day
GCSE results day can feel overwhelming. Not every young person's next step looks the same, and that's exactly what the Derby Study Programme was built for.
Lucy Townsend, Centre Manager at Workpays Derby, explained the thinking behind the programme:
"We hope to provide young people in the locality with different options to think about their next steps, so they have more opportunities to access."
She added that families attending the open day responded well to the flexibility on offer:
"We feel that parents really admire what we're trying to do here with the flexibility that we're offering with our programmes and the next steps that young people can move on to."
The programme is delivered by WS Training, with BrightPeak's Workpays Derby centre providing the site and local support, a partnership that brings together WS Training's proven Study Programme model with Workpays' established presence and reputation in Derby.
What Made the Open Day a Success
Visitors on the day included referral partners from Transition2, a local organisation supporting young people not currently in education, employment or training. Youth Employability Mentor Charlotte Hodgson explained what brought her along:
"We went to a job fair yesterday where we met someone from Workpays, and after a quick chat we realised that the provision offered would be really helpful for some of the individuals that are referred to us from the Department for Work and Pensions."
She was impressed by what she saw on site:
"The learning environment at the centre looks really inviting, from the interactive boards and timetables to the inclusion of enrichment and wellbeing. I think it would be ideal for the individuals who we would refer."
Fellow mentor Georgina Lewis agreed the programme fills a genuine gap:
"I think it will give individuals not in education or training an opportunity to find somewhere different they can learn at, and I think it would be more for the practical learners and really meet their needs."
Hearing From a Prospective Learner
Among those exploring their options was Jaden, who came along to see whether the programme could be the right fit:
"I wasn't sure college was right for me, so when I heard about this I wanted to come and see what it's actually like."
Smaller class sizes were a big draw:
"I liked that it's smaller groups. I think I'd get more out of that than a big college class."
He's already looking ahead to the practical elements of the course:
"I'm looking forward to the work experience part. I want to actually try things out, not just learn about them."
Why Choose the Derby Study Programme
Fully funded through the Department for Education, so families face no financial barriers
Small class sizes, capped at 12 learners per group
Real-world work experience built into the curriculum
Personalised support for young people aged 16 to 19, and up to 25 with an EHCP
Proven model, already thriving in Ipswich, Lowestoft and Haverhill
Get in Touch This Results Day
If GCSE results don't go quite to plan, or if college simply isn't the right environment, the Derby Study Programme offers a genuine alternative.
Referral partners are also encouraged to get in touch. As demand grows, Workpays and WS Training are ready to support more young people across Derby with the flexible, tailored provision they deserve.
Register your interest or refer a young person today
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