School and Work

 

In the UK you are entitled to attend school or college free of charge until the age of 19. Depending on your asylum claim this could be extended to 21 or beyond to cover university education (some fees may apply).

If you are age 16+, you will be able to access a college close to where you live. Exeter College and City College Plymouth have tailor-made courses for students whose first language is not English. If you have just arrived in Devon and the college term has already started, you may be provided with English lessons until you can go to college. Before you can apply for places on other courses in college you need to gain qualifications in English for Speakers of Other Languages. Sometimes extra support for English lessons can be arranged, please speak to your social worker or PA to find out more.

Unfortunately, whilst you are claiming asylum and waiting for a decision from the Home Office, you are not able to work. You do have the right to volunteer. Volunteering is working or helping at an organisation without payment. This is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and support local communities. It’s also a great way to get ready for future careers. If you would like to see what volunteering opportunities are around you, you can find more information here on the Gov.uk website.