Personal and Social Development

The Personal and Social Development pathway aims to provide a progression route to supported employment/employment and/or further study for individuals with additional support needs.

Programmes aim to equip students who have additional support needs with the skills, confidence and independence required for successful progression. This is achieved by providing a highly supportive learning environment and diverse, exciting curriculum. Students are provided with support and guidance, and encouraged to set themselves challenging, achievable goals in order to fulfil their potential.

Personal and Social Development
LevelEntry Level
Level 1
LocationColchester
Braintree
DurationOne Year
Study ModeFull-Time
Campus / Adult Skills CentreColchester Campus
Braintree Campus
Start DateSeptember 2027
Fee(s)16-18 year olds: Free
19+: Variable
Course Content

You will learn a variation of transferable workplace and social skills, including but not limited to, communication, emotional well-being skills, Maths and English, building confidence, skills for further study, volunteering and employment, including learners who are transitioning from home education.

Course Content
  • Personal, Social and Communication skills
  • Employability Skills (including participation in work experience)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Contributing Positively to the Community
  • A choice of vocational options e.g. Sport/Leisure and Art (please note curriculum subjects and access to resources may vary between campuses)
  • Enrichment activities
  • English and Maths

Learning aims for English and Maths will be determined by students’ prior attainment and initial assessment.

Pathways include GCSE (for those who have already achieved a Grade 1 or above) or Stepping Stones to Functional Skills Maths and English (Entry Level 2, 3 and Level 1).
Where appropriate, non-accredited English and Maths learning is considered for students who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this programme, just the desire to work and participate in all activities.

Career Opportunities

Following completion of the Personal and Social Development pathway, students may be able to progress to further study programmes at Level 1 or 2 or progress into supported/mainstream employment.

Disclaimer

All fees, prices and funding information shown on this page are for courses starting in the 2025-26 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change due to factors outside of our control. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

Courses fees are generally not confirmed for September until June / July due to the above factors.

The course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.