Students who have made a wrong education choice have been offered a second chance thanks to a campaign launched by the West Suffolk College.

A “Had a Change of Heart” initiative has resulted in additional places available on a number of courses to help reassure them that it is not too late to change course or education route.

Dan McKeown, from Ixworth, who is studying for his Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts, said: “In my second year of A levels, I decided to pick up Drama as an AS and then discovered I loved it. So instead of carrying on my A Levels I decided to come to college to pursue my passion on a vocational course rather than continuing to study other subjects that I did not want to do. It’s been the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Jake Jarvis, from Bury St Edmunds who is also studying for the same diploma, said: “I would say a third of the way through sixth form; I felt I was being burdened with subjects I didn’t want to do. This was when I knew I had to make a change. I don’t regret it for a minute.”

For anyone thinking about changing their course he said: “I would say have a think about what you want to do, if you are thinking of going into a career that is practical West Suffolk College is the right place for you. When looking for jobs they often will say they are looking for someone with experience and this college gives you exactly that.”

The courses available include Accounting, Business and Retail, Science, Film and Creative Media and Hospitality and Events Management. Any students who choose to apply will have the full support from the college staff to succeed in getting the relevant qualification and all students will be taught English and Maths GCSE if they do not already have the required grade as part of their course.

Andrew Adamson, Curriculum Executive Director at the college, said: “As an organisation, West Suffolk College fully recognises that the career aspirations and personal circumstances of a young person can change.

“In order to accommodate this we have developed a strategy to help our increasing number of later-enrolling students to be welcomed to the college and be supported by our great teams, with individualised plans to catch up. They will then progress onto the next stage of their journey to employment with great prospects- whether this is to higher education, an apprenticeship or into meaningful employment.”

For further information on the courses available visit www.wsc.ac.uk/changeofheart