Start Date
- September 2027, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
This course is designed to stretch you both academically and physically and prepare you for your future career in the uniformed services.
You will study the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services, which will allow you to explore a variety of uniformed public services and the job opportunities each one presents. This is achieved through academic study, exposure to serving members of the uniformed public services and participating in a variety of practical and physical activities which at times will emulate industry standards. An emphasis on personal development is key to you successfully completing the course. Throughout the course you will be challenged to enable you to achieve your maximum potential and ensure you have the correct skillset required when entering the uniformed public services.
You will have regular opportunities to work practically the Norfolk Police, Prison Service, Norfolk Fire and Rescue, Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. You will also observe trials at the Magistrates' and Crown courts, visit the Norfolk Police training facility, complete simulated crime scene investigation and major incident planning with the Norfolk Resilience Forum.
We have regular guest speakers which include the Probation Service, Crown Prosecution Service, Senior CSI, Senior Investigating Officers, Norfolk Police specialist teams (firearms, drones) and the East of England Ambulance Trust, including the Air Ambulance. During the second year you will take part in an expedition, which has previously been to the Lake District with the Outward Bound Trust, which brings together all the skills and qualities you have developed over the two years.
We have made substantial investment in our facilities for sport, outdoor leadership, and uniformed services programmes to provide realistic and state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and training.
Entry Requirements
Academic requirements:
- Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language and maths.
Additional requirements:
- Completion of an online Easton Applicant Information Form
- Two references (one from your school teacher, and the other can be from a sports coach, cadet leader, or another teacher)
- Attend a face to face interview with a member of the Uniformed Services lecturing team
- Completion of a Pre-Enrolment Task, to provide an indication into your academic ability and attitudes towards learning
- Attend a Curriculum Taster Day (various dates available across the academic year)
- All steps must be completed prior to any course enrolment.
How You Will Be Assessed
Assessment is carried out throughout the academic year by the departmental staff and verified externally by the awarding body. You will be expected to compile reports, carry out individual research, present information to both your peers and teaching staff and complete both practical based activities and scenarios. This varied approach to assessment is designed to promote independence and encourage you to take ownership of your own learning.
You will study and be assessed on units such as:
Year 1:
- Preparing for a career in a chosen uniformed service
- Developing aspects of physical fitness for entry to the uniformed services
- Developing leadership skills
- Equality, diversity and inclusion
- Understanding discipline in the uniformed services
- Map reading and navigation across open country
- Understanding conflict management and personal protection
Year 2:
- Telecommunications in the uniformed services
- Influence of UK government, international organisations and the media on the uniformed services
- Emergency planning and response in the uniformed services
- Understanding the impact of war and conflict on the uniformed services
- Outdoor and adventurous expeditions
- Uniformed services hierarchy and routine
- UK legal systems and uniformed services
- Crime scene investigation
Please note that units are reviewed every year and are subject to change.
Course Progression
Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve UCAS points which allow progression onto Higher Education. You may also choose to progress into uniformed services related employment or an apprenticeship.
Where Your Course Can Take You
Previous students have been successful in joining the police service as constables, civilian staff and volunteers, becoming wholetime firefighters and probation officers, as well as serving in His Majesty’s prison service. Students have also been successful in pursuing military careers in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and British Army to name just a few!
The course leans well, however, to many other careers in the public sector, including the wider criminal justice system, local council and government. All jobs where you can make a difference and have a positive impact on society and your community.
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over fees may be payable.
There is an expectation that learners, to prepare them for employment, will purchase appropriate uniform for their programme. This is available through our uniform suppliers, STC Teamwear. The range can be viewed at stc-stores.com/collections/easton-college NOTE: Please do not order any uniform until the enrolment process has been completed.
Currently we are planning for students to take part in the following residential trips across two academic years to support development and meet key assessment criteria. These currently include (although are subject to change):
Year 1 - Local multi-day expedition - estimated cost £50
Year 2 - Week-long residential with Outward Bound Trust - estimated cost £400
There may be other opportunities throughout the academic year that may have a cost attached to them, but these will be optional.
Financial support may be available depending on your circumstances. Please check our Finance pages for fee information and any financial help that may be available.
