Pastoral Support

Tutorial

Every student is expected to attend a weekly tutorial session with their Study Programme Tutor.  Our tutorial programme is a mix of group PHSE  (Personal, Health, Social and Economic) workshops, individual progress review meetings and a range of careers and employability activities called My Career Plan.

Our PHSE programme includes topics on:

·         Digital Safety

·         Respectful nonviolent relationships

·         Workplace Behaviours

·         Cultural Awareness

·         Carbon Literacy

·         Financial Literacy

·         Safeguarding & Prevent

·         Knife Crime

Work Experience & Work Placements

Careers & Employability Support

Our Careers Team is here to help students explore their options, plan their futures, and take the next steps, whether that’s university, apprenticeships, or employment. We offer:

  • 1:1 career guidance appointment

  • CV and interview workshops

  • University and apprenticeship application support

  • Employer talks and careers fairs

Students will have termly check ins with their link Career & Employability Sector Lead to review progress towards their My Career Plan actions and to provide specialist careers guidance on their progression options.

Our Careers Leaders who oversee Careers Education and Guidance across the college are Marie Blair, Careers & Employability Manager and Kate Edwards, Director of Student Services.

For further information about our careers and employability support including contact information

Work experience is a vital part of your young person’s Study Programme at college. It helps them build confidence, develop essential workplace skills, and gain valuable insight into their chosen career path. It also strengthens their CV and improves future employment or university prospects.

Types of Work Experience and Their Benefits:

  • Work Placements
    Examples: Working in a salon, garage, nursery, catering business, or office.
    Benefits: Students gain hands-on experience in their chosen field, develop job-specific skills, and build professional networks that may lead to future employment.

  • Volunteering
    Examples: Supporting a charity shop, community centre, food bank, or local event.
    Benefits: Builds empathy, teamwork, and communication skills. Volunteering also demonstrates commitment and initiative—qualities valued by employers and universities.

  • Virtual Placements
    Examples: Online projects, remote shadowing, or digital internships.
    Benefits: Offers flexibility and access to industries that may not be available locally. Students develop digital communication skills and learn how to work independently.

  • Employer Encounters
    Examples: Employer-led workshops or projects, employer talks and visits organised by the college.
    Benefits: Helps students explore different sectors, clarify career goals, and gain confidence.

We ask most students to source their own work placements as this supports the development of employability skills, and it ensures the placement is what the student is interested in.  Students will be provided with a range of guidance and support with this process.

If you can offer your young person or another student a placement, please contact our Careers & Employability team

My Student Life (Enrichment)

Enrichment is a key part of college life, offering students opportunities to grow beyond the classroom. These activities help develop confidence, broaden horizons, and build essential skills for life, work, and further study.

Benefits of Enrichment Participation:

  • Improved confidence and communication – Students learn to express themselves, collaborate with others, and take on new challenges.

  • Broader skillset – Enrichment helps develop teamwork, leadership, creativity, and resilience.

  • Enhanced CVs and applications – Participation shows initiative and commitment, which is highly valued by employers and universities.

  • Positive wellbeing – Taking part in enjoyable and purposeful activities supports mental health and helps students feel more connected to college life.

  • Greater engagement and motivation – Students who participate in enrichment often feel more involved and motivated in their studies.

Enrichment activities include:

  • Career-focused talks and employer visits

  • Mental health and wellbeing sessions

  • Debating, enterprise, and gaming clubs

  • Cultural and community events

We encourage all students to take advantage of the wide range of enrichment opportunities available.

Click here for the wide range of My Student Life activities available at each campus