Information and advice for young people (Your Space)

1 What is NCS?

National Citizen Service (NCS) is an essential experience for 16-17 year olds, providing an opportunity to build skills for work and life while taking on new challenges. 

It will help build your confidence, mix with different social groups and contribute to your community. You will have the chance to make new friends, go on residential trips and create a Social Action Project so you can make a difference in your local area.

Programmes take place outside of school/college hours and have been specifically designed to develop skills that employers and UCAS value.

Additional information

• More details on the NCS website

2 Benefits of taking part

• New adventures, new friendships and new challenges.
• Develop skills you didn’t realise you had.
• Expand your CV - learn skills and qualities that employers are increasingly looking for, such as confidence, teamwork and leadership.
• NCS is recognised by UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) and will help when applying for universities.
• It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to fast track your future.
• NCS is about you getting motivated and inspired, and having fun.

3 Who can apply

The programme is for 16-17 year olds, including Year 11s turning 16 during the summer.

Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are eligible until the age of 25.

Whether you’re home schooled, at boarding, private or state school or currently not in education or employment, NCS will benefit you.

4 What you can do and when

Here's what you can look forward to doing if you join in with NCS.

Summer NCS runs for four weeks during the summer holidays.

Adventure and discovery

• Week 1 - Residential, Monday-Friday at the outdoor adventure centre 'Adventure Activities', with activities such as rock climbing, mountain boarding, axe throwing, archery and many more.
• Week 2 - Residential, Monday-Friday at the halls of a university, where you will get a taste of uni-life and living independently. This is where you get to let your creativity run wild whilst learning team and life skills, giving you a head start in adult life.

Social action

• Weeks 3 and 4 - Based in your local community, you will get the opportunity to run your own project, giving back to areas which are in need.

Graduation

• The final stage of NCS is graduation. We throw a huge party where you get a chance to dress up and celebrate your achievements along with your friends and family. Although this is the final stage of the program, this is only the beginning of your journey!

5 How much does it cost?

NCS would cost over £1,000 for each place, but, due to government backing, we are able to offer the programme for a small fee of £50.00. This covers food, accommodation and travel on your residential trips. Nobody is excluded from NCS and you can speak to our team about available bursaries.

6 Sign up

Once signed up, your place will be secured once payment is received. You will be sent a confirmation email, and an introduction pack will be posted to you with all the programme details.