Support for you

Now

As you start to consider the options you have for studying after taking your GCSEs, you need to gain as much information as possible about what is available. In school, your careers teacher will be able to point you in the direction of various sources of information. You will also have a session with a Connexions Adviser to help you make your choice. We will work with your school to help ensure you have all the information you need about what we offer.

A series of Information Events in the Spring Term 2010 will inform you about the subjects available and will give you the opportunity to find out more about the College. The dates for these can be found here.

Applying for a place

We welcome applications from all students. If you decide to apply for a place we will have a meeting with you to discuss your application and your career intentions. We want to make sure you choose a course that will be a success for you.

When you start with us

We recognise the uniqueness of every student and will treat you as an individual.The support we offer will help you enjoy your time with us and gain the most from your studies. We will be there whenever you ask for help.

Starting at the College will be a big change in your life. In your first few weeks you may need answers to questions as well as advice on various matters. You will have access to a team of trained specialists including your personal tutor, a learning mentor, the College's Connexions adviser, a chaplain and staff who are specialists in welfare and financial advice.

Your Personal Tutor

When you come to our College you will have your own Personal Tutor. Your tutor will help you settle into life in the 6th Form and will support you in both your studies and any personal matters you may want help with. The support for your studies will include regular reviews of your progress against your subject targets. This will help ensure you reach your full academic potential during your time with us. There will be three formal reviews of your progress each year and copies of the reviews will be sent home to your parents/carers. A Consultation Evening will follow each review.

In addition, your Personal Tutor will help ensure your time at the College is enjoyable and enriching.

Your Tutor will help you with study skills and offer advice on career progression, finance, transport and general welfare matters. You will be a member of a Tutor Group of about 25 students who will meet on a regular basis throughout the week.

Additional Support

We welcome all students including those who need additional support with their learning and/or have a disability. If you do have a specific additional need we will ensure support is available to you. In addition our Learning Mentor will work with students who may require additional study support for specific purposes e.g. coursework planning, revision, time management. For those of you who have a particular gift or talent we offer opportunities to help you make the best of your ability. We value each of you as a unique person and will strive to ensure you reach your potential.

Careers Guidance

Our Connexions Personal Adviser will help you make the right choices for your future. You will have access to various data-bases covering careers, universities and gap years.

Students who wish to progress to university will be able to attend a number of events to help them choose the university and course that best suits their aspirations.

For those students who aspire to a place at Oxford or Cambridge, there will be additional guidance and support.

Financial Support

We realise many students may be concerned about the cost of college now the government has removed the EMA. We intend to offer additional financial support and respond according to need where students are suffering financial hardship.

We may be able to assist with the cost of transport, exam fees and other educational expenses you may incur.

For further information contact ian.seddon@sssfc.ac.uk

You may be entitled to a weekly payment of between £10 and £30 which is dependant on your family income. It is called the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and you will need to apply for it during the Spring/Summer Terms of 2011. Information will be available in your high school or you can find out more from the website http://moneytolearn.direct.gov.uk

The Learner Support Fund (LSF) is an additional source of financial help for students who face financial hardship. The grants are discretionary and for specific purposes - see http://moneytolearn.direct.gov.uk