In Swansea, Gower college offers young adults the opportunity to continue their education.

Gower college offers the following:

Higher education - Higher National Diplomas (HND), Higher National Certificates (HNC) Degrees, Foundation Degrees, Professional qualifications.

Apprenticeships - work based training where you will be supported and trained whilst being paid.

Independent living skills (ILS) - a range of full and part time courses are available, tailored to students with learning difficulties, additional learning needs and / or behavioural requirements.

The college has a variety of locations which offer a wide range of courses:

• Gorseinon campus
• Tycoch campus
• Llwyn y Bryn campus - Uplands
• Jubilee court - Fforestfach.

Which course is right for me?

To find out more about courses on offer, you can look at the Gower College Swansea prospectus(opens new window) or attend an open evening to speak to lecturers and additional learning needs (ALN) support staff.

I am thinking about enrolling and have additional learning needs, what do I do?

Advisors from Gower College visit lots of schools around the area in order to support you if you are thinking of going to college.

If you have additional learning needs and plan to attend a course at Level 1 or above then contact Ffion Davies at ffion.davies@gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk.

If you are planning on going to the Independent Living Skills (ILS) department then contact Sarah Evans at sarah.evans@gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk.

The college aims to attend all person centred reviews (PCR) for year 11 students and are happy to attend reviews in year 9 and 10 if requested to do so. Gower College staff are available to answer any questions you may have about the course and the college, you can email them at admissions@gcs.ac.uk.

What is Independent Living Support (ILS)?

ILS is a course that will help you develop skills needed for adult life.

If you have any queries or concerns about ILS, then contact Sarah Evans via email at sarah.evans@gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk.

How do I apply?

You can apply online on the Gower College Swansea website(opens new window).

If you are a pupil in a Swansea school, you can apply through 'My Choice' which will take you directly to the website.

The earlier you apply, the more change you have of securing a place on your first choice course.

What happens after I have applied?

After you apply, you will be contacted by the admissions team regarding your college application. They will support you in your transition to college.

If you have an additional learning need, you will be offered a meeting in March where students and parents are invited into the college. Your needs will be discussed including any support that will need to be in place for the beginning of term (September).

How much time will I spend in college?

Full time courses are 17 hours per week, this can be over 3 or 4 days.

Part time courses can range from 2 hours per week to 2 days per week.

Part time ILS courses are run over 1 or 2 days per week.

What support is there for me?

The college has specialist staff that can support additional learning needs and disabilities.

At college the drive is to ensure that you become more independent and are better prepared for the future, with this in mind the college will also provide assistive technology support and training.

Each campus has a quiet space available for pupils to access. The quiet space has facilities which you can use such as PC access, out-of-class support and counselling.

Financial support

Financial support will depend on your circumstances.

Funding options available are:

• Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
• Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)
• Welsh Government Learning Grant.

What is Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)?

A payment for 16 to 18 year olds living in Wales, who want to continue their education after school leaving age. If you are 16-18 years old, you will get Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) if you come from a low income family (means tested). To find out more, contact Gower College Swansea(opens new window) or visit Student Finance Wales(opens new window).

What is Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)?

DSA is a non-means tested, government funded scheme which can pay for any support for students with a disability, including specific learning difficulties, in order to meet their individual needs.

The college can help you apply for DSA and then arrange for funded support to be put in place. Once your application is approved by Student Finance Wales(opens new window), you will need to attend a needs assessment where you will have the opportunity to discuss the support you need.

How to apply for DSA

You will need to complete form DSA1 and provide evidence of your condition. The college can help you with this process. You can apply before you start, or during your course. It is best to apply as soon as possible so that the support you need can be put in place as it can take time for your application to be approved. More information can be found on Gov.uk disabled students allowance(opens new window).

What is the Welsh Government Learning Grant?

Welsh Government Learning Grant FE is a means tested grant that aims to encourage more people to continue with their education. It provides funding to help with the costs of your education if you're aged 19 or over. If you're studying full-time you could get payments of up to £1,500 a year or, if studying part-time, you could get up to £750 a year.

How to apply for the Welsh Learning grant

You will need to see if you are able to apply for the grant by visiting Student Finance Wales(opens new window).

Transport

Full time students are currently offered a subsidised bus pass. Bus passes can be purchased when you enrol or from Student Services at the college.

More information about bus passes can be found on the college website(opens new window).