I want to start by saying that I am not encouraging you to change courses if you are alright where you are, because it is much better to stay put. However, some people stay with a course that they know is not right, do badly and drop out, so it is useful to know what to do ahead of time to prevent that from happening to you.
When should I say something?
If you start a course and think that you have made a mistake, say so as soon as you know. It may be possible to change right up until October half term, if there are spaces on your new choice of course. The sooner you say so, the better the chance of finding an alternative the same academic year. Once the group have handed in assignments or taken an exam, you will be too far behind to catch up.
Who should I speak to?
You should tell the course tutor first, because there may be some issue that can be resolved, such as moving groups or accessing learning support. If you still want to change, you should then tell the Careers Advisor, who can help you to find an alternative option. At Loughborough College contact: careers@loucoll.ac.uk .
Does it have to be another course at the same college?
No. If another college has spaces, they may be happy to accept a late starter. Again, you would stand a better chance in September than October. In Leicestershire see: https://ps16.co.uk/ .
What if I don’t want to study full-time?
If you are aged 16-18 you have the option of: starting an apprenticeship or traineeship, or spending 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training. If you are older, you also have the option of working full-time. See: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship and https://www.gov.uk/find-traineeship and https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job and https://do-it.org/ .
Should I leave my course if I want an apprenticeship, traineeship or job?
No. Apply for one first and if you are accepted, you can then leave your course. You might be offered the first one you apply for, but more likely, you will need to apply for several and it can take a while before you are successful. In the meantime, it is better to be gaining a qualification, even if it isn’t perfect.
What if I leave it too late?
Colleges generally start their courses in September, so you will probably have to wait for the next academic year to start a college course. In the meantime however, training providers have short courses that start throughout the year e.g. https://www.youtheducationproject.org.uk/ and https://www.trans4mleicester.co.uk/ . You can also apply to start an apprenticeship, traineeship or job at any time of year.
What if my problems are really about me?
Your college will have staff employed to help with your wellbeing. At Loughborough College they can be contacted on: wellbeing@loucoll.ac.uk . There are also staff who specialise in other areas including: safeguarding, finance, special educational needs and disabilities and accommodation. Your tutor will be able to direct you.