Alternative provision

Coleg y Cymoedd’s alternative provision is for pupils in Year 10 and 11 who have faced challenges with the conventional school route. We also offer courses for post-16 learners who left school or college education early.

Explore 2026-27 alternative provision courses

We offer three main alternative provision pathways.

Offer one

14-16 Junior Apprenticeship

Coleg y Cymoedd’s 14-16 Pathways for Year 10 and 11 learners.

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This programme gives young people the chance to study vocational or pre-vocational subjects in a real college setting, helping them build practical skills and confidence before moving on to further education, training, or employment.

Learners can explore a number of vocational pathways while also working towards essential qualifications in English and maths. The pathways are delivered in partnership with local secondary schools as an inspiring alternative to the traditional classroom setting which open up new opportunities and experiences.

This programme currently operates by school referral only, so speak to your relevant school staff for more information.

Offer Two

Pathway to Further Education

A part-time post-16 course for young people who were previously disengaged or not active in traditional full-time education.

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This course will provide a flexible and accessible pathway that will serve as a fully accredited stepping stone back into full-time education. On this course, there will be a focus on personal growth and wellbeing. Staff will work with learners to develop resilience and wider transferrable skills. This will help to prepare them for the next step in their journey, whether that be at college or into employment.

Learners will have access to all the support and enrichment available to every Coleg y Cymoedd learner. That includes wellbeing, Digital Engagement Hubs, Cymoedd Xtra coaches and more.

Email admissions@cymoedd.ac.uk for more information about how to apply.

Offer THREE

Cardiff City Foundation

A new and exciting opportunity in partnership with Cardiff City Foundation.

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Coleg y Cymoedd is proud to offer a new and exciting opportunity in partnership with Cardiff City Foundation at our Aberdare campus. This part-time post-16 course lets learners work towards the BTEC Level 1 Introductory in Sport.

This provides a flexible and engaging pathway for learners beginning their journey in education, sport, and personal development. The programme is available at five levels, from the Introductory Award to the Diploma. It builds employability skills while gradually increasing exposure to sport-specific activities. Learners can join or exit at any stage due to the roll-on/roll-off structure.

On completion of the programme learners can progress to Level 2 sport courses, apprenticeships or employment in areas including leisure, coaching assistance, fitness, or community sport roles.

Email admissions@cymoedd.ac.uk or info@cardiffcityfc.org.uk for more information on how to apply.

What can early college learners study?

Our 14-19 year old alternative provision learners can explore vocational pathways while they work towards essential qualifications in English and maths.

The programme gives young people the chance to study vocational or pre-vocational subjects in a real college setting. It helps them build their practical skills and confidence before moving on to further education, training or employment.

Alternative provision is delivered in partnership with local secondary schools as an inspiring alternative to the traditional classroom setting. it opens up new opportunities and experiences to early college learners.