Welcome to a world of learning and courses that could change your life!
Here you can search for something to suit you. There's lots on offer. You can use the filter options to narrow things down. When you've found a course of interest just click on the title to find out more. And why not sign up to our monthly mailing list for our latest news, information and advice?
There are some other bits we need to tell you as we get funding from the Government to provide courses for Derbyshire residents. This often helps to keep costs very reasonable. In return we follow Government guidance:
-
By enrolling you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions and we may share your details with other education providers. This is likely to depend on the type of course chosen.
-
Each year we'll check your proof of residency in Derbyshire and entitlement to possible funding
-
Adult learners aged over 19 years will generally pay full cost fees unless booking onto a free course. There may be other costs for materials etc.
-
Learners under 19, or up to 24 with an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) should chat to us or take a look here to check elibility for funding.
DACES 14-19 Study Programme
Code: S25OC0001
Location:
Cost: Free
By continuing you confirm that you are enrolling onto an adult learning course and that you are aged 19 or over on 1 September 2025, or you are enrolling a young person aged 14-18 on 31 August 2025 specifically onto one of our Study Programme courses, and that you agree to the Terms and Conditions.
Description
We have several different options for learners aged 14 to 19 years (24 with EHCP). Our programmes are government funded, local, small and friendly and are designed to develop confidence, qualifications, work and life skills to progress into further training or employment. We specialise in supporting young people that have had challenging experiences in earlier education and need a bridge into further learning or work.
- 16 to 19 (24 with EHCP) study programmes to bridge into further study or work
- 14 to 16 limited places for electively home educated study programme
- 18 to 24 supported internships (educational health care plan learners)
- alternative provision for 14 to 16-year-olds
Please visit DACES_Study_Programme_enquiry to complete a short form and the 14-19 team will contact you.
Learners Will
- Build confidence
- Experience a different vibe from most mainstream schools and colleges
- Develop skills to be independent and safe in life and work
- Work out their next steps
- Improve maths, English and digital skills
- Achieve essential qualification
- Gain valuable work experience
- Take part in fun community projects and trips out
16 to 19 study programmes
The programme is available for young people aged 16 to 19 (and up to 24 with an educational health care plan).
The programme includes essential skills and qualifications for progression:
- maths and English GCSE or functional skills
- digital skills and online safety
- transferable skills and work placement
Learners will follow a core vocational or work preparation option. Speak to us about the options available on each programme. These could be:
- hospitality
- construction
- skills for professions in horticulture, environment and animal care
- health, social and childcare
- vocational tasters in business and retail, hospitality & catering, sport & active, travel and tourism
- work experience (including a programme for 18 year olds who are almost job ready)
We currently provide 16 to 19 programmes in:
- Bolsover
- Clay Cross
- Cotmanhay
- Dales
- Glossop
- Swadlincote
14 to 16 part time study programme for EHE Learners
We offer very limited places for electively home educated learners whose parents or carers have chosen to be responsible for their education. If you are home educating your child or considering that option, please email
cs.ehe@derbyshire.gov.uk
.
The Derbyshire EHE team will confirm learner suitability for the DACES EHE programme and priority is given to young people who are year 11 equivalent. This programme is designed to supplement the education parents are providing at home and cannot exceed 310 hours per year. Parents / carers remain responsible for their child's education and DACES cannot be the main education provider and cannot be named on an EHCP for under 16s.
We currently have EHE programmes in:
- Bolsover
- Clay Cross
- Cotmanhay
- Glossop
- Swadlincote
Young people will study for 3 accredited qualifications at their assessed level and there is a minimum attendance of 85% through the whole academic year to support achievement.
- Maths and English (functional skills or GCSE)
- Employability and personal development
Supported internship for learners 18-24 with an EHCP
An educational health care plan is a legal document for young people aged 0 to 25 who require additional support for their education. DACES are the education provider for supported internships which are a bespoke transition to work programme for students with disabilities.
Currently we have internships at:
- Chesterfield Royal Hospital
- Gulliver's Kingdom / Lea Green Matlock
14 to 16 alternative provision
We offer a small number of places on our construction and outdoor learning programmes as alternative provision for learners in year 10 or 11. Schools can contact us to discuss individual provision for learners on their roll using a service level agreement.