The events, taking place at the college’s Booth Lane and Lower Mounts campuses on Wednesday, October 21 from 5pm to 7.30pm and Saturday, November 7 from 10am to 1pm, will give visitors the opportunity to explore courses, tour facilities and speak to teaching staff about their options after GCSEs.
Among the most significant new developments will be the introduction of V Levels – a new Level 3 vocational qualification being introduced nationally from September 2027.
Northampton College will be among the first colleges to offer V Levels in Digital Systems and Data and Accounting and Finance, giving students the opportunity to gain practical, sector-focused knowledge while keeping their options open for further study or employment.
V Levels are designed as a broad vocational route, allowing students to explore a sector before deciding where they want to specialise. Each V Level is the same size as an A Level, meaning students can combine a V Level with A Levels to create a programme tailored to their interests and career ambitions.
Northampton College Principal Jason Lancaster said: “The introduction of V Levels is an exciting development because it gives young people another high-quality option after their GCSEs.
“Not every student wants to follow a purely academic route or commit to a highly specialised technical programme at 16. V Levels offer something in between – a chance to develop vocational knowledge and skills while keeping options open.
“The fact that they can be combined with A Levels also gives students much greater flexibility to build a programme around their own interests and ambitions.”
The college will also showcase its expanding range of T Levels, with new opportunities being introduced in areas including media, sport and craft and design, alongside its existing technical programmes.
T Levels are two-year Level 3 qualifications equivalent to three A Levels, combining classroom learning with a substantial industry placement designed to give students practical experience and the skills employers are looking for.
Jason Lancaster added: “Our Open Events are an ideal opportunity for students and parents to see what Northampton College can offer and, importantly, to have conversations with our teachers about which route could be right for them.
“With new V Levels, an expanding range of T Levels, A Levels, vocational courses and apprenticeships, there has never been more choice.”
Visitors can register for the Open Events at www.northamptoncollege.ac.uk.
