Zdeno (16) is originally from Slovakia and started Key College full-time in September. He’s currently enrolled on the Skills for Employment for EAL learners, and is enjoying the lessons as he comments that his written and spoken English is improving dramatically. Zdeno plans to go onto Derby College next year following graduation. Outside of College,…
Andrew was not in education before starting YMCA Key College and was living at a local care home. He had limited contact with his family at this point as they lived in another part of country. Andrew originally joined us on the entry 3 programme and has since progressed onto the level 1. He has made…
Jack has completed two study programmes with us. His attendance, attitude and productivity has always been excellent. He is a very committed learner and this is further demonstrated by his continuing support as an army cadet. However, some time ago, Jack was set upon by a gang whilst walking home. This had a huge impact…
I’ve been studying Catering & Hospitality at Key College for two years and I’ve nearly finished the course. I’ve passed my Level 2 in English and maths since I’ve been here. I was bullied from when I started school and it got really bad, a girl broke my elbow. I had enough and left school…
Before I came to the YMCA, I had a pretty tough life due to living with my foster parents and then my real dad. My foster parents were actually my aunt and uncle as I was put under their guardianship in 2015. It all went well until my uncle used me, such as taking me…
Unfortunately, Max had some difficult health issues in 2019, which meant he got behind on his studying at a different college and couldn’t continue the course. “I don’t feel like I had the support I needed during the time I wasn’t well, and the college I was at would only let me start again in…
“When my mum was pregnant with me, she found out I had a kidney problem and it was unlikely I would survive, but she didn’t give up on me – I beat the odds. However, at the of four I was placed into foster care. I was moved around a lot and never felt like…
Ben first started with YMCA Key College through our Alternative Provision courses and went on to enrol on our Hospitality and Catering course. “I came to YMCA Key College because I’d been excluded from school. I was hanging around with a bit of a bad crowd at the time and got in to quite a…
Before joining YMCA Key College, Abi hadn’t thought at all about a career in the catering industry. As soon as she stepped foot in the kitchen as part of our Hospitality and Catering course though, she found a real passion for all things food. Although Abi had a few difficulties in her early teenage years,…
