Unlock
Your
Future
At YMCA Key College, you’ll learn practical skills through vocational courses, with supportive learning for young people aged 16–18, and up to 24 with an EHCP.
Why Learners Love Key College?
Welcome to Key College
We believe that every young person should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. We simply provide suitable learning courses, the right environment and highly-qualified and dedicated tutors to make sure this happens.
At campuses in Derby, and Ilkeston, we provide a range of accredited full-time education courses and programmes for young people aged 16-18, and, if the student has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), up to the age of 24.
We are proud of our links with many local businesses, enabling us to offer our learners relevant practical work experience and volunteer opportunities. Our highly qualified and experienced team has been delivering high-quality training across Derby and Derbyshire for over 10 years. We are proud to be rated an Ofsted Good training provider, and hold a Matrix accreditation for the high quality of the information, advice and guidance we provide for our learners.
Alternative Provision
For over a decade, we’ve proudly delivered high-quality Alternative Provision across Derbyshire, helping learners overcome barriers, build confidence, and achieve meaningful success.
Courses
YMCA Key College offers a range of accredited vocational courses for learners aged between 16-18 (up to 24 with an EHCP) in Derby and Derbyshire.
YMCA Key College on Facebook
Aisha’s story is one of determination and resilience. She moved into YMCA Derbyshire accommodation from a children's home the day after her 18th birthday. Managing anxiety and other mental health challenges, the move felt overwhelming.
Despite these challenges, Aisha embraced the support around her and worked hard to build her confidence and independence. She progressed into our Y-Steps move-on housing and became actively involved in YMCA programmes, where her caring nature quickly stood out.
Aisha studied Health & Social Care and Childcare with YMCA Key College. During a placement with Y-Kidz, she developed the confidence to lead activities and support groups of children, and impressed the team so much that she secured a role.
Today, Aisha is planning to study Child and Adolescent Health at university and is saving for her own home. Her journey shows the life-changing impact of opportunity, support and determination, and she is passionate about using her lived experience to help other young people build brighter futures.
COULD YOU HELP? We have 4 finalists in the YMCA Youth Matters Awards 2026! The winners are decided by public vote, which closes on 24 August. You can read more about each nominee, or go directly to a quick vote!
We're looking for someone who is:
• Passionate about improving opportunities for young people with SEND
• An experienced tutor, teacher or trainer
• Confident leading others and supporting colleagues to succeed
• Organised, proactive and able to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent at building positive relationships with learners, families and partner organisations
• Committed to safeguarding and delivering high-quality education
Apply here - https://cezanneondemand.intervieweb.it/ymcaderbyshire/jobs/lead-tutor-practical-skills-and-supported-internships-62621/en/
The Connect and Thrive Programme is designed to support learners facing a range of emotional and mental health challenges, including SEND needs and previous negative experiences of education.
Through activities such as mindfulness, creative wellbeing, sensory learning, food and nature-focused experiences, young people develop practical tools to help them manage everyday challenges.
The programme is helping young people feel more confident, connected and ready for the future.
COULD YOU HELP? We have 4 finalists in the YMCA Youth Matters Awards 2026! The winners are decided by public vote, which closes on 24 August. You can read more about each nominee, or go directly to a quick vote!
Voting Link - https://ymca.org.uk/finalists/
Remember, YMCA Key College is here for you. Need help with next steps or want to apply? DM us or visit our website for support. https://keycollege.co.uk/
#GCSEResults #KeyCollege #DerbyCollege #IlkestonCollege
Now we need your help! 🫵
The national YMCA Youth Matters Awards celebrate the achievements of young people, staff, volunteers and projects making a difference across YMCA communities.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be introducing our YMCA Derbyshire finalists and sharing the stories, achievements and impact behind their nominations.
We’d love our partners, supporters and wider Derbyshire community to get behind them.
🗳️ Public voting is now open!
Vote for our finalists and help us bring a Youth Matters Award home to Derbyshire: https://shorturl.at/JhEh8
#YouthMattersAwards #YMCADerbyshire #TeamDerbyshire
At YMCA Key College, we offer a range of practical vocational courses in a supportive environment where learners are encouraged to build confidence, develop new skills and prepare for their future.
Our courses take place at campuses in Derby and Ilkeston.
👶 Caring for Children
🍽️ Hospitality & Catering
🩺 Health & Social Care
⚽ Sports, Fitness & Health
🌿 Practical Work Skills
🤝 Supported Futures
💼 Supported Internships and Pre-Supported Internships
Unlock your future with YMCA Key College - https://keycollege.co.uk/courses/
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