NPA Social Services and Healthcare (Schools)
***PLEASE NOTE - only pupils who will be at school during session 2026/27 can apply for this course***
This NPA comprises a blend of learning, assessment and practice based experience: introducing key learning themes related to Social Services and Healthcare that can be a basis for future development.
This course will run on Tuesday & Thursday 1.30pm - 3.30pm.
Please note that the course you are applying for is split across two sessions. When submitting your application, the dates displayed will be for the June Induction in session 2025/26. Once successfully enrolled on this session, you will automatically be transferred to the 2026/27 session, which begins in August, for the remainder of the course.
Content
Students who complete the NPA will develop transferable values, knowledge, and skills which could contribute to careers in social services and other professions.
For example, they will gain experience in relation to:
- Interpersonal communication
- Information presentation
- Online research and information technology
- Thinking about the needs of self and others
- Team work
- Review, analysis and evaluation
Career Paths
- A health and social care support worker
- Further study and a career following undergraduate study in Nursing, Alllied professionals or Social Work.
Progression
- Progression from the course can be into work within the Health and Social Care sector.
- As well as study with progression onto the HNC Healthcare Practice and HNC Social Services. Both these courses meet entry criteria for many undergraduate University programmes including Nursing and Social Work.
Entry requirements
- Three Nat 5s one of which is English or Literacy based.
- Must have an interest in study or career in Health Social Care reflected in personal statement.
More Info
Further advice for School College Programme and Foundation Apprenticeship applications:
• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to March 2025, you will need to register a new account
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as; the reason you are applying, future career plans, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited to an information session
• If your application is unsuccessful, you should speak to a guidance teacher or SDS school liaison officer.
• If you are unable to attend the information session or wish to withdraw your application, please email the School Partnership team - school.partnership@forthvalley.ac.uk