What is South Devon College and what does it offer?

Updated

South Devon College is a further and higher education institution in South Devon, England, serving its local community with courses that span secondary-age schooling through to degree-level study. It is the right starting point if you are looking for vocational training, apprenticeships, T Levels, adult retraining, or university-level qualifications in the area, and the website is built around two main actions: searching for a course and applying.

Who the college serves

The site organises its offer by learner stage, so you can go straight to the section that matches your situation:

  • High School (14–16) — a school-age provision with its own curriculum, uniform, term dates, and transport passes.
  • School Leaver (16–18) — sixth form, technical and vocational courses, T Levels, apprenticeships, and supported internships.
  • Adult Learning — personal development, English and maths, free courses for adults, online and distance learning, and retraining or upskilling.
  • University Centre — higher education and degree apprenticeships.
  • Employers — apprenticeship funding, hiring an apprentice, T Levels for employers, and work experience placements.

Course and qualification types

Route What it covers
Apprenticeships Includes apprenticeship standards, foundation apprenticeships, and higher/degree apprenticeships
T Levels Technical qualifications offered alongside the employer-facing T Level programme
Technical and vocational courses Practical, career-focused study for school leavers
Sixth Form Academic route for 16–18 year olds
Adult and community learning Personal development, essential skills, and free courses for adults
English and maths Essential skills and functional-level study
Online and distance learning Study away from campus
Education and teacher training Teaching-focused qualifications
Supported internships Work-based learning for learners with additional needs
Torquay United Football Academy Football-linked study programme

The site also provides a "What Level Should I be Studying?" guide and a "Levels and Qualifications Explained" page if you are unsure where you fit.

How to find a course and apply

  1. Use Course Search on the site, or browse by Subject Areas or Search by Passion if you don't yet know the course name.
  2. Check the Digital Prospectus for the fuller picture of what's on offer.
  3. Read How to Apply for the route that matches you — the process differs between school leavers, adults, and apprentices.
  4. Track your application through Applicant Login; there are separate logins for students, parents/carers, governors, and staff.

Support around studying

Beyond teaching, the college lists student services covering financial support, learning support and SEND, wellbeing, travel support, parking permits, and careers advice. There is also a dedicated page for adult students aged 19+ and one for care-experienced young people. Parents and carers have their own information section.

Practical things to check before deciding

  • Cost: the site references free courses for adults and financial support, but fees vary by course and by your age or circumstances — confirm the specific course page rather than assuming a course is free.
  • Location: campuses and travel support are listed under "Our Campuses" and "Travel Support"; check which campus your course runs at.
  • Level: use the levels guide to match a course to your current qualifications, especially if you are returning to study as an adult.
  • Timing: term dates and key dates for the academic year are published, which matters most for 14–16 and school leaver applicants.