Foundation Learning - East Surrey College
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Foundation Learning

Tailored pathways that build confidence and independence

Our Foundation Learning programmes support students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to build confidence, develop independence and prepare for employment, further education or adult life.

We recognise that every student has individual strengths, aspirations and support needs. Therefore, we take a personalised approach to learning and progression.

Our mission is to provide a safe, inclusive, and tailored environment where every learner is empowered to build confidence, independence, and essential skills for their future. We look forward to the prospect of working with you, and to help your young person realise their potential and celebrate their achievements.

– Fiona Johnstone, Director of Foundation Learning

The Foundation Learning Suite

The Foundation Learning Suite provides a fun, inclusive and supportive environment. Here, students can develop their social, communication and life skills with confidence.

Dedicated spaces for Foundation Learning include the Orbital Café, an Immersive Suite, a designated horticultural garden, and a purpose-built training flat that supports independent living programmes and practical everyday learning experiences.

Students also have access to the wider college facilities, including the Learning Resource Centre, IT suite, Summer Garden, Art Room, Gym, and Sports Hall, supporting integration, wellbeing, and engagement with the wider college community.

Progression Routes

At East Surrey College, we work closely with students, parents and carers to ensure every learner is guided towards the most suitable Foundation Learning pathway for their individual goals, abilities and aspirations.

Through a personalised assessment process, we identify the right starting point for each student’s development, helping to build confidence, independence and the skills needed to thrive in a supportive, inclusive and inspiring College environment.

Entry Level 1

Personal Progression Entry Level 1 supports students in building personal, social and independent skills needed to prepare confidently for adult life.

Entry Level 2

Offers Skills for Independence for developing personal, social and independence, and Skills for Work to prepare for future employment.

Entry Level 3

Offers Skills for Work for developing practical employment skills, and Preparation for Work for employment and independent living.

Level 1

Offers LEAP, Skills for Work, Skills for Independence, and our Supported Internship: aids progress into mainstream education or employment.

Mainstream Level 1

Enrol on any mainstream Level 1 qualification course at East Surrey College. We have a wide range of vocational qualifications from Construction to Hair & Beauty.

Courses Available

Personal Progress Entry Level 1
The course is an Edexcel accredited programme for students aged 16 –24 with Special Education Needs (SEN). The course is offered to students who…
16-24 year olds
Full Time
Level Entry 1
September 2026
34 weeks
LEAP Level 1
UNITS/TOPICS COVERED:• Personal Development • Assertiveness and Confidence Building• Volunteering• Citizenship• Digital…
16-24 year olds
Full Time
Level 1
September 2026
34 weeks
Skills for Work Entry Level 3
This course is a programme for students aged 16-24 with Special Education Needs (SEN). The course is designed to provide students with the…
16-24 year olds
Full Time
Level Entry 3
September 2026
34 weeks
Skills for Work Entry Level 2
This course is a programme for students aged 16-24 with Special Education Needs (SEN). The course is designed to provide students with the…
16-24 year olds
Full Time
Level 2
September 2026
34 weeks
Supported Internship
The Supported Internship is a programme designed to develop the skills required for students with SEN to access employment and to find meaningful…
16-24 year olds
Full Time
Level 1
September 2026
34 weeks
Skills For Independence Entry Level 2
The course is a LASER accredited programme for students aged 16 –24 with Special Education Needs (SEN). The course is designed to help students…
16-24 year olds
Full Time
Level Entry 2
September 2026
Preparation for Work Entry Level 3
The course is a LASER accredited programme for students aged 16 –24 with Special Education Needs (SEN). This course is designed to provide students…
16-24 year olds
Full Time
Level Entry 3
September 2026
34 weeks
Skills for Work Level 1
The course is a LASER accredited programme for students aged 16 –24 with Special Education Needs (SEN). The course is designed to help students…
16-24 year olds
Full Time
Level 1
September 2026
34 weeks
Skills for Independence Level 1
The course is a LASER accredited programme for students aged 16 –24 with Special Education Needs (SEN). The course is designed to help students…
16-24 year olds
Full Time
Level 1
September 2026
34 weeks

Additional Learning Support

At every stage of their journey, Foundation learners receive personalised support to help them achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

Learn more about EHCPs, Exam Access Arrangements, and Emotional Literacy Support Assistants by visiting the dedicated Additional Learning Support webpage.

Meet the Foundation Learning Team

The SEND team works closely with parents and students to develop specialist programmes. The team includes specialist tutors and assistants who are on hand to support students.

Victoria

Personal Progress Entry Level 1

Nicola

Entry Level 3 Independence

Alex

LEAP

Abigail

Skills for Independence Level 1

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What our students say

Pauline
Pauline
Studied: Heraldic Art, Calligraphy & Illumination
Pauline began her calligraphy journey at ESC 20 years ago and continues to return each term, nurturing her passion through part-time study. What drew you to choose a Part-time course at East Surrey College? When I retired, I decided to treat myself by doing the HND in Calligraphy. I studied full-time and absolutely loved it, so when the part-time course became available, I decided to continue. The city of London, in the guild hall I also was commissioned to do some work. I’m from Manchester and I used to work at Manchester University where the interest in art came. What […]
Emma
Emma
Emma was looking to improve her confidence and abilities in a rapidly growing digital age and our Accessible Digital Skills course stood out as the ideal route to learn more. Through the college’s collaboration with Active Prospects, an organisation that helps those with learning difficulties reach their full potential, Emma was offered the opportunity to build on her digital skills, increasing her awareness of the advantages and risks of the online world. Why did you decide to study Accessible Digital Skills? I wanted to build my digital skills so I could keep up with today’s digital world. I was especially […]
Jhalak
Jhalak
Studied: Applied Science Level 3
Jhalak always knew she wanted to work in A&E, but wasn’t sure how to make this dream a reality. By choosing ESC, she found confidence and academic success, having won a Silver Award in the National BTEC Awards for Science Learner of the Year. She credits her time at East Surrey College for her smooth transition into university, and her further educational career. Why did you pick East Surrey College and what inspired you to select your course(s)?  I chose East Surrey College because when I attended the Open Day, I immediately felt that it was the right place for me. The college environment stood […]
Louis
Louis
Studied: Hairdressing Level 2
Former School: St Bede’s School
From the outset, Louis knew he wanted to become a barber, but chose to study hairdressing to gain a broader skill set while working as a junior in a salon he enjoyed. Studying locally at East Surrey College provided a supportive and comfortable environment, where regular salon visits and guidance from tutors helped him build confidence, Now running his second barbershop, Brent Walsh in Reigate, Louis is passionate about maintaining high standards and hopes to mentor newly qualified barbers, passing on the knowledge and enthusiasm that shaped his own journey. What did you enjoy most about your course(s) and what […]
Daniel
Daniel
Studied: Bricklaying Level 2 Apprenticeship
Former School: Oasis Academy Coulsdon
After growing up on building sites alongside his Dad, Daniel knew he wanted a course that prioritises hands-on learning. He found an apprenticeship with Pyramid, one of the biggest Bricklaying subcontractors in London, and fell in love with the structure almost immediately. Daniel found his time at East Surrey College very beneficial for his apprenticeship, as his tutors support and the excellent Bricklaying facilities helped him finish his course earlier than expected. Why did you choose an Apprenticeship?  Sitting in a classroom all day didn’t appeal to me as I’m very hands-on. Luckily, my Dad works in construction and I often accompanied him on my days off from school. Therefore, I felt like an […]
Cyrus
Cyrus
Studied: Information Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship
Wanting a chance to gain first-hand experience as soon as possible, Cyrus decided to apply for an Apprenticeship in the IT industry. Having now completed his Apprenticeship, he enjoyed working with a small team during his placement, and found the support at the College really helpful. He enjoys building and working with computers and is continuing his career in the Digital and IT industry. Why did you choose an Apprenticeship?  An Apprenticeship appealed to me because I would prefer to study something that isn’t focused on exams, as well as Apprenticeship’s involving less debt as opposed to university. Apprenticeships also give you a good head start in […]
Irfan
Irfan
Studied: Digital Production, Design and Development T Level
Former School: Riddlesdown Collegiate
Irfan chose a T Level course to make the most of classroom theory and practical work experience. As part of the course, Irfan has been working with NHS Surrey Heartlands to develop his software skills. He enjoys the subject because it offers a chance to learn key skills that employers are looking for, and he knows he can always ask for help and support if necessary. What inspired you to choose this course?  I chose the Digital Production, Design and Development T Level because I already had an interest in coding and wanted a course that mixes practical work with industry experience. Studying […]
James
James
Studied: Digital Production, Design and Development T Level
Former School: Oasis Academy Coulsdon
Inspired by his family members who work in the web development industry, James chose a T Level course in this area to gain industry experience during his studies. As he is completing his course James works at Surrey Heartlands six hours a week, assisting with their databases. He finds the mix of classroom theory and practical industry experience beneficial, and hopes to use what he’s learning to start a career in web development.  What inspired you to choose this course?  I grew up around this sort of technology due to my family members working within this industry and I have always been interested in computers and video games. I was very close to my uncle and he was a big inspiration, so seeing […]
William
William
Studied: Uniformed Protective Services Level 3
Former School: The Priory Church of England School, Dorking
After attending a taster day and enjoying the session, William decided to enroll in Uniformed Protective Services Level 3. From team-building exercises to expeditions, he enjoys how physically and practically oriented the course is. His end goal is to one day work in the police force.  Why did you decide to study this course?  I went to a taster day last year and did the session for public services, which was really fun. It included a lot of team building exercises and showed what the course would be like. I decided on Public Services because one day I want to work in police force or maybe even as a fire fighter.  What do you enjoy most about your course?  My favourite thing about the course is the physical and fitness side of things. Every Thursday […]
Eddie
Eddie
Studied: Skills For Independence Entry Level 3
Former School: Woodfield School
Eddie has a passion for gardening and working outdoors. He’s gaining confidence and skills everyday to help make this dream happen, and enjoys the activites Skills For Independence has given him, such as cooking and interacting with others. What led you to choosing this course?    I chose this course so I could become more independent and gain more confidence and meet new people. The course has helped me a lot and I’ve made a lot of new friends.     Why did you decide to study at ESC?   I had a tour of the building with my school, and I […]
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