23rd June 2025
Are you joining us as a new student in September? Come and enjoy a day with us before you start, to give you insight into your chosen course and what life at South Devon College is like.
We aim to make the transition of starting College in September as smooth as possible, and we are offering new starters a head start before the new academic year begins.
We’re looking forward to welcoming our new faces next month at our HeadStart Week – this gives our new 16-18 school leavers who are joining us in September to opportunity to meet their tutors, get to know their classrooms, do taster sessions in their chosen courses and confirm their course choice is the right one for them.
Those who have applied before 20 June will be invited in to their chosen curriculum areas for a day, giving them the chance to be introduced to their lecturers and tutors, as well as their fellow students. There will be relevant hands-on activities to gain insight into their chosen course and ensure it is the right one for them.
This is the opportunity to ask any questions, on anything from subject areas and expectations to travel queries and what delicious food our cafes offer!
If, for any reason, students have had a rethink and would rather apply for a different course, or are unsure on future career pathways, our Careers Team will be on hand to guide them through the process.
Attendance at our HeadStart days ensures a seamless enrolment in September, and conditional offers made if needed.
Jess Tucker, Head of Tutorial and Learner Progress at South Devon College, said: “We are really excited about making a start on building positive relationships by getting to know our new prospective students and those we already know but might be having a change of direction with their career aim.
“HeadStart is a great opportunity to set out our expectations, start developing connections and for you to make an informed decision about your next steps.
“We know this might be daunting for some, so want to reassure you that we will make this a positive experience for you and will work hard to meet your needs.”
Our HeadStart days, starting Monday 30 June, are a great way to minimise any uncertainty or nerves on the first day at College in September, as you will already know a lot about us and your subject, so please do take up the offer to attend.
Apply for your course before 20 June and keep an eye open for your emailed invite – we look forward to meeting you and guiding you on your South Devon College journey!
The planned timetable for this year’s event is as follows:
- Monday 30th June – 9am-4:00pm: Sports, Adventure Sport, Public Services & Armed Forces, A Levels and Ambition.
- Tuesday 1st July – 9am-4:00pm: Level 2 & 3 Automotive, Level 2 & 3 Marine, Engineering, Computing, Esports, Games, Creative & Digital Media, Electrical, L1 Plumbing and Day 1 of Construction (including Brickwork, Painting & Decorating, Carpentry).
- Wednesday 2nd July – 9am-4:00pm: Health & Social Care, Art & Design, Hair & Beauty, Barbering, Music & Performing Arts, Catering, Social Sciences, Childcare, Travel & Tourism and Business.
- Thursday 3rd July – 9am-4:00pm: Animal Care, Level 1 Automotive and Level 1 Marine, L2 Plumbing and Day 2 of Construction
