Student Services

We want students to get the most out of their time at the Sixth Form College. College life is about more than courses and qualifications; it’s about gathering experiences and skills that will prepare you for your next steps, whether that’s university, employment or an apprenticeship.

As a College we know that students need praise and our staff are encouraged to commend you when you display any of the six ASPIRE principles: Achievement; Skills; Participation; Independence; Resilience; Endeavour

These things are really important to universities and employers and we will mention them when we write your references for UCAS or when you apply for jobs.

We’ll also support you through the ASPIRE tutorial programme. You’ll receive a set of tutorials linked to the ASPIRE principles which complement our enrichment programme, the ASPIRE Futures programme and are closely linked to the curriculum.

Our ASPIRE Futures programme is designed to help and encourage you to think about your future and provide you with opportunities and advice around your potential progression routes. You may choose to access guest speakers from employers, apprenticeship providers, universities and alumni. Or you may use visit our careers hub to explore progression options to help you make aspirational choices.

If you want any more information on any of the elements of the ASPIRE programme, please see your progress coach.

As a student at the Sixth Form College you will have a Progress Coach who will monitor your progress throughout your studies as well as deliver your weekly group tutorial. Each term you will spend one-to-one time with your personal Progress Coach to discuss your overall progress in college. Each meeting will also focus on your attendance and future plans. All this information will be recorded and will be accessible to both parents and students via Cedar.

Helping our students consider and plan their next step is something we excel at and take great pride in. Our Careers and Progression Team are always available to help you research careers, education, apprenticeships and employment opportunities, as well as assisting you with your applications for universities or jobs.

As a student at the Sixth Form College, you will have a Progress Coach who will monitor your progress throughout your studies as well as deliver your weekly group tutorial. Each term you will spend one-to-one time with your personal Progress Coach to discuss your overall progress in college. Each meeting will also focus on your attendance and future plans. All this information will be recorded and will be accessible to both parents and students via Cedar.

We encourage all students to participate in the work experience programme. For some students it will be essential to carry out work experience to complete your course. For others it may be needed in order to gain a place on your chosen university course or apprenticeship. We will support you before, during and after your placement to ensure you have a successful experience in a safe, relevant and friendly environment.

At the Sixth Form College, we offer selected internships to our students. Internships are similar to work experience placements but are based within the college. Areas, where internships are currently offered, include; Marketing, Admissions, Reprographics, Estates, Catering, Reception and IT support.

We recognise that some students will have additional responsibilities at home, e.g. providing elements of care for other members of the family or being a young parent. Understanding this, we would make every effort to provide support and flexibility for your studies.

The college is committed to ensuring that as far as possible, students with a disability or learning difficulty have equal access to courses and services offered by the college. If you have any physical disability or special educational needs, you will receive help from the student support team at the college and we will make every effort to adjust our provision and facilities to meet your needs. Via our close links with local high schools we will make every effort to make sure your transition to the Sixth Form College is as smooth as possible.

The college offers a professional service, with a qualified counsellor available for appointments and for weekly drop-in sessions.

Our experienced team of counsellors and Emotional Wellbeing Officers are available for group and one-to-one confidential support.

Our college has developed a strong culture of respect and has created a safe place of learning for our students. It is in this context that the college has considered its Prevent duty and recognizes the importance of working collegiately with students, staff, governors, the neighbourhood policing team and the Safeguarding Board, to promote a positive approach to Prevent. Our college actively supports and attends the Prevent Head Teachers’ Board to ensure our knowledge and understanding of Prevent and Local cohesion is current and effective. Students follow a pastoral curriculum in which British values are embedded.

Our college community is encouraged to make a report of any prevent concerns to the Safeguarding team.