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Education & Skills

Moving into independence isn’t just about finding somewhere to live — it’s also about building the skills, qualifications and confidence to shape your future. Orchard Therapeutic Outreach helps care-experienced young people explore every route available, from college and university to short, job-ready courses.

Over weeks 4–7 of the programme, we work with you to map your strengths, plan next steps, try out options, and apply for the funding and support that makes learning possible.

How Orchard Therapeutic Outreach helps (Weeks 4–7) 

  • Skills audit & plan: We map your strengths and interests and plan next steps. 

  • Try-outs: Book tasters, open days and short bridging courses; help with kit and equipment. 

  • Money for study: Apply for bursaries, hardship funds, travel passes and laptop/data schemes. 

  • Applications: Study skills coaching, exam arrangements, and UCAS if needed. 

Useful links 

 

 

Your routes 

  • College: foundation learning, Functional Skills/GCSE resits, Levels 1–3, T Levels, ESOL. 

  • University: most universities have bursaries, all-year accommodation options and named contacts for care-experienced students. 

  • Short courses: first aid, food hygiene, CSCS, barista, animal care, IT basics — quick wins that lead to jobs. 

 

 

 

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