A popular college based in Falkirk is offering pupils across Scotland the chance to get a head-start in their desired career path whilst still at school.
Aimed at senior school pupils moving into S4, S5 and S6 in August 2025, Forth Valley College’s (FVC) school partnership courses aim to provide pupils with additional key skills, knowledge, and opportunities at an earlier stage.
Pupils can sign up and join these vocational courses as one of their subject options, alongside their school-based national and higher qualifications.
Available to study at FVC’s Falkirk, Stirling and Alloa campuses, there’s a wide range of school partnership courses on offer, at varying levels to suit a range of needs.
Whichever pupils choose, all of FVC’s school partnerships courses offer an invaluable taste of what to expect in further or higher education – helping to remove some of the ‘what next’ anxiety, as well as encouraging independence, responsibility and maturity.
Take a look below at some of the courses available…
Foundation apprenticeships
Equivalent to a higher qualification, these apprenticeships offer a valuable educational opportunity for fifth and sixth-year secondary school pupils, combining both academic learning and practical experience.
Students can benefit from hands-on tasks and work experience with local employers, which will allow them to develop essential skills that can enhance future career prospects, as well as exciting new opportunities, such as progressing to a modern apprenticeship, further education, or directly entering the workforce.
Schools College Opportunities to Succeed (SCOTS)
If you are a pupil who wants to experience college without having to undertake a full qualification, or are currently unsure about your career path, this may be the pathway for you.
The SCOTS programme allows you to try a course or subject area in a more relaxed manner, without the pressure of having to fit a full qualification into your timetable or make a decision about your future so early on.
The SCOTS programme is only available to pupils from schools based in Falkirk. For further information and to apply, pupils should speak to a staff member at their school – applications are referral-based from schools and will close on Friday, May 30, 2025.
School partnership courses
For senior school pupils, these vocational courses are designed to be studied alongside school-based national and higher qualifications.
Available to study at the Falkirk, Stirling and Alloa campuses, FVC’s extensive range of school partnership courses cover various levels, from Higher National Certificates (HNC) – which are studied over two years and can lead to Higher National Diplomas (HND), or even year two of some university degree courses – to National Progression Awards (NPA) and City & Guilds qualifications which introduce industry skills and knowledge to start your career journey.
Supported transition courses
These courses are dedicated to assisting young people with additional support needs as they transition into college life over the course of a year, while they continue their school journey.
FVC’s supported transition course offers two levels of learning, which serve as a foundation to prepare students for either a full-time supported programme or other courses within the college.
With a clear understanding of the individual needs of students, FVC provides the support necessary for them to settle into college life smoothly, such as familiarising students with key staff members and the college environment.
Additionally, FVC’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) course is designed for young people from S4 onwards, who have English as a second language and are working at level 4.
The course not only enables pupils to enhance their English language proficiency and skills, but interacting with others who share similar experiences can help foster a vital sense of community and greater self-confidence.
Applications are referral-based from schools and will close on Friday, May 2, 2025 – please contact your school for more information.
Take the next step
Applications for FVC’s school partnership courses are now open. Pupils interested in these courses should talk to their pupil support teacher to find out how to enrol.