Switchtember 2026

Thinking about a different direction?

Starting sixth form and already wondering whether it is right for you? Finished school but still deciding what comes next? Switchtember is an informal information evening for 16-year-olds and their parents or carers to explore a different option.

It is not too late to change direction. Come and discover what studying at Newbury College could look like, meet our team, explore your options and find out whether a vocational or technical course could be a better fit for your interests, strengths and ambitions.

Come along if…

• you have started sixth form but are already questioning whether it is the right environment for you;
• you finished school this summer and have not yet decided on your next step;
• you would prefer practical, career-focused learning;
• you want to find out what courses and spaces may still be available;
• you are a parent or carer who wants to understand the options before helping a young person make a decision.

You do not need to have made your mind up before attending. Switchtember is about finding out what is possible, asking questions and deciding whether Newbury College could offer the right next step.

Switch your plan. Not your ambition.

Every year, young people begin sixth form because it feels like the expected next step. But traditional academic study is not the right environment for everyone. What matters is finding a route that helps you develop, succeed and move towards the future you want.

At Newbury College, learning is focused on real skills, real experience and real progression. Our vocational and technical programmes combine practical learning with the knowledge and skills you need for your next step, with routes into university, apprenticeships or employment.

Whether you already have a career in mind or simply know that your current route does not feel right, Switchtember gives you the chance to explore your choices before deciding what comes next.

Why choose vocational education?

College offers a different experience from school. You will have the opportunity to develop practical skills, gain industry experience and learn with support from specialist tutors. Our career-focused courses can lead to recognised qualifications, UCAS points and the skills employers are looking for.

Instead of studying several subjects simply because they are academic, you can focus on an area that interests you and begin building experience connected to a future career.

Depending on availability and entry requirements, subjects include Art and Design, Beauty, Business and Management, Carpentry, Creative Media, Early Years, Electrical Installation, Engineering, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Marketing, Motor Vehicle, Music Technology, Plumbing, Professional Cookery, Public Services, Sport, and more.

It’s not too late.

If sixth form is not working for you, changing direction does not mean giving up on your ambitions. It can mean choosing a route that suits you better. Come to Newbury College and talk to us about where you are now and where you would like to go.

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