Whilst at College

As a student, your child/ward will enjoy great classes led by experienced and dedicated teachers, access to a host of activities, trips and events that will develop their skills and knowledge outside of the classroom, and first-class facilities. Many students come to College because it is very different from school. Our students are young adults and we expect them to use their time with us to develop independence and self-motivation, as well as knowledge and practical skills.

The College environment provides an excellent stepping-stone for students making the transition from school to higher education or employment. We aim to work in partnership with parents as we firmly believe that parents have a key role to play in ensuring that young people achieve the best results they can, and get the most out of their time at College.

• What Will They Be Doing at College?

  Coming to College is more than just a course. All of our students enrol on a Study Programme, which includes the main qualification and a range of other activities to prepare them for the future.

  If your child/ward didn’t achieve A*-C (or new grade 9-4) at GCSE for English or Maths they will study this alongside their main qualification.

  We also provide GOALS (pastoral curriculum programme), NAVIGATE (personal development, enrichment and employment related opportunities), Employability and Enterprise, online learning and Higher Education, Ambition and Transition (HEAT).

• How We Support our Students

  We aim to develop independence in our students, but we also recognise that young people might need some support along the way. We have dedicated teams of student experience staff and our Student Central support services. Each College is led by a Local College Director and we have services which include a financial support team, pastoral tutor team, counsellors, careers advisors, student experience support leaders, activity leaders, wellbeing officers, and of course, the ongoing support, guidance and encouragement students receive from their subject teachers and personal tutor.

Your Child/Ward’s Progress

After enrolment, you’ll get a Parents’ Welcome Pack. You’ll then have plenty of opportunities to come into College and meet tutors through meet and greet nights and parents’ evenings to discuss your child/ward's progress and what they are doing in College. But, if there is anything you would like to discuss about their course, please contact us.

• Virtual Platforms

  Various learning platforms to support your child/ward can be accessed in College or from home.

  Microsoft Teams is a communication and collaboration platform utilised by curriculum groups to support your child/ward on their study programme.

  Students also utilise Moodle as the platform to access details relating to MyJourney (their student record) timetables, events and activity in College.

• Parent/Carer Portal

  The Parent/Carer Portal is a great way to monitor attendance and progress through College life. There’s lots of other information too, and you’ll get details on how to access the Parent/Carer Portal in the Parent/Carer Welcome Pack.

  Click here to visit the Parent/Carer Portal.

Support for Child/Ward

Whilst we develop independence in our students, we also recognise that young people need support in many ways. We have dedicated teams of staff to support students in all areas of their lives. These include a financial support team, pastoral team, counsellors, careers advisors, student experience managers, sports activators, mentors, and of course, the ongoing support, guidance and encouragement students receive from their subject teachers.

• Student Support

  Our student support services are staffed by professionals who have a wealth of experience, and all students are encouraged to take advantage of the support on offer. Our student support services were also highly praised in our last Ofsted report.

• Additional Support

  Support in and out of class by assistive technology or adaptation by tutors.

• Tutors

  As part of their Pastoral Tutor Group, students will develop academic, personal and employability skills which will both enhance their overall College experience and improve their prospects for progression.

• Careers Guidance

  Information on careers, higher education and the jobs market to help prepare for the next step.

• Student Experience Managers

  Dedicated Student Experience Managers are located at each campus and ensure that all students are given the best learning experience in both their subject areas and the campus environment.

Key Dates

• September

  Meet and Greet - you will be invited you to a Meet and greet evening at the end of September, when you can meet your child/ward's teachers and find out more about what they are doing in lessons.

• December

  Progress Report - in December you will receive your child/ward's progress report detailing how they are doing on their course.

• March

  There will be Higher Education, Jobs and Apprenticeships fairs available to attend.

  Parents’ Evening - you will be invited to a Parents’ Evening where you can discuss your child/ward's progress report in more detail with the subject teachers.

  Progress Report - in March you will receive your child/ward's progress report detailing how they are doing on their course.