Students from Coastland College’s King’s Trust programme recently celebrated the successful completion of their course at a graduation ceremony held at the Weymouth Campus.
The event marked the culmination of the 12-week King’s Trust TEAM Programme, with students delivering their final presentations in The Hive lecture theatre, showcasing everything they have achieved during their time on the course, supported by their peers and teaching staff.
The King’s Trust, formerly the Prince’s Trust, was founded in 1976 by King Charles III, then the Prince of Wales, to help vulnerable young people get their lives on track. The programme at Coastland College supports young people aged 16 to 25 who are not in employment, education or training (NEET), or who may be at risk of becoming NEET.
On successful completion, students can achieve a Level 1 or Level 2 Award or Certificate in Employment, Teamwork and Community Skills, helping them move confidently towards their next steps.
The most recent team to graduate – Team 31 – demonstrated outstanding commitment throughout the programme, completing a wide range of units designed to build confidence, skills and resilience.
Highlights included a residential stay at Coastland College’s Kingston Maurward Campus, where students took part in adventurous activities such as raft building and archery.
As part of their community project, the team raised funds to create food packages for The Hub in Weymouth, aligning their work with National Care Leavers’ Awareness Month last November. The students organised a fundraising raffle, supported by generous prize donations from community partners including Dorset Museum and Poundbury Garden Centre.
The programme also included valuable work experience placements with Bridport Museum and Grey Ranks Boxing Club, alongside a ‘Supporting Others’ unit, in which students worked with SEND learners within the College.
The course concluded with final presentations in The Hive Theatre, giving students the opportunity to reflect on their achievements and personal growth over the 12 weeks.
Students spoke positively about the impact of the programme on their confidence and future plans.
Rose commented: “I’ve learned a lot from the King’s Trust, I’ve made a few new friends and it’s been an unforgettable experience.”
King’s Trust student Tab said: “The King’s Trust course at Coastland College helped me get back on track towards going to university to study science, and gave me the confidence and support to make those next steps happen.”
“I have seen such a positive change in my son since he has joined the King’s Trust programme. He is more confident and happier. We both love listening to him telling us about his day with a huge smile on his face.”
What’s next for King’s Trust?
The King’s Trust, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, continues to work in partnership with Coastland College to support young people in developing the skills, confidence and motivation they need to progress into education, employment or training.
Coastland College is proud of every student who completed the programme and would like to thank staff, partners and guests who attended the graduation ceremony to support and celebrate Team 31’s achievements.
The team are now busy with Team 32 with recent activities including a litter pick at Bowleaze Cove and first aid training.
For more details about The King’s Trust programme at Coastland College, visit www.coastland.ac.uk
