We are pleased to share that YMCA Key College has officially been rated Good by Ofsted! This recognition is a huge milestone for our staff and students. It reflects the life-changing work that takes place every day across our campuses in Derby and Ilkeston, where we support young people to achieve, grow in confidence, and…
Milo joined YMCA Key College after realising he had a huge passion for cooking, he has always enjoyed cooking with his mother who is a chef. Milo found school very difficult and struggled with his teachers. He felt he wasn’t very understood. Milo left school at 14 and enrolled into a pre-16 course at Derby…
GCSE results day are here and with it brings a whole range of feelings, anticipation, excitement, relief. However, if your results weren’t what you were expecting you may be feeling worried about your next steps, leaving your wondering about your options.
Katie started studying at YMCA Key College after finding the traditional school environment too stressful. Katie battles with anxiety which resulted in her unfortunately not being able to attend school at all. She was then home-schooled by her Mum up until the age of 15, which is when her journey at YMCA Key College began….
Tyler and Charley came to YMCA Key College after finding their previous course at a different college unsuitable. They are known as ‘the twins” as they are best friends and always together. They are 6 months into their Retail course, which they are really enjoying. As part of the course YMCA Key College includes a…
Tiffany joined YMCA Key College with very little confidence. When she arrived every day at the beginning, she would be extremely anxious and upset about the day ahead. “In the early days of when I came to college, I would always get my mum to come on the bus with me and then wait in…
Anthony joined YMCA Key College in 2016. Over the last 5 years, he has completed Level 1 and 2 Hospitality and Catering and is a month away from finishing his Digital Skills & IT course. After leaving school with no qualifications, Anthony wanted to ensure he chose courses that gave him life skills. “I’m not…
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,…
