Information for Parents
Your child is about to make an important and life changing decision about where and what to study after GCSEs. We understand the challenges facing them as they take the next step in their education and in this section you will find more information about the college and the services and support available.
We take pride in the fact that we treat our students with the trust and expectation that they will take responsibility for reaching their chosen goals. After all, these are the personal qualities they will need in the next stage of their lives, whether this be in employment or at university. However, we also have a strong support system in place to ensure that their progress is continually monitored in order to offer them the support they need. Personal contact with parents and guardians is also important to us – there are parents evenings scheduled during the year where you can talk to course tutors about your son or daughter’s development.
Click the links below to skip to specific sections of the page or simply scroll down to see everything
- About the College
- What support will be provided for my child?
- How will I know how my child is getting on?
- How much will it cost?
- How many hours per week will my child attend college?
- Funding and Financial Help
- Childcare
- Transport
- Accommodation
- College Policies
This information is relevant to parents of students who are starting college in September and are under 19 years of age. For information relevant to over 19s click here and use the student services menu on the left hand side to find the relevant information.
About the College
The College of West Anglia is one the largest education and training organisations in the East of England and offers a wide range of courses to students of all ages from entry level to full degree programmes. We have around 4,000 full-time students, the majority of whom are aged 16 - 18.
There are 4 campuses: King’s Lynn Campus is the largest and offers vocational courses, apprenticeships and A levels. Isle Campus in Wisbech, offers a wide range of vocational courses and apprenticeships and also runs A level courses in partnership with the Thomas Clarkson Community College. Wisbech Campus and Cambridge Campus focus on landbased programmes. Animal care is available at both Wisbech and Cambridge campuses and in addition equine, horticulture, agriculture and countryside management are available at the Cambridge campus.
What support will be provided for my child?
We are able to provide a comprehensive support system for our students including:
- • Course information and advice
- • Tutorials
- • Careers information and guidance (via Connexions)
- • Additional learning support including specialist tutorials and equipment for dyslexia, sensory impairment or physical difficulties
- • Free, confidential counseling and student adviser service
- • Advice and information about financial assistance, travel, accommodation, childcare, equipment and materials.
How will I know how my child is getting on?
A progress report is completed for all subjects in the programme by tutors and students twice per academic year. Parents will be sent copies of these progress reports for students who are aged 18 and under at the commencement of the course. Parents' evenings take place during the course, when you will have a chance to talk to the course team and find out about your child’s progress. Additionally, if you have any concerns you can contact the course team or Student Services at any point.
How much will it cost?
Students aged under 19 on 31 August in the year they begin the course do not have to pay a tuition, administration or examination fee; they are only required to pay equipment (kit) and resource/ materials fees should this apply to their course. Details on kits, materials/resource fees will be provided prior to enrolment. These fees are payable at enrolment during the first week of study.
Students aged over 19 are required to pay an administration fee, examination, materials/resource fee and there may also be a tuition fee depending on the chosen course of study. These fees are payable at enrolment during the first week of study.
How many hours per week will my child attend college?
The normal college day starts at either 08.45 (King’s Lynn) or 09.00 (Isle, Wisbech and Cambridge) and most classes will end by 16.30 or 17.00. Most full-time students will be in college 3 days per week. In order to be successful at college, students are expected to maintain regular attendance at all of their classes. Attendance is monitored and tutors will liaise directly with students where there are issues. The timetables are designed to allow time for personal study and also for part-time jobs, which we know are important to young people. However, timetables are always subject to change and may also alter during the academic year. We will always endeavour to inform students as early as possible about changes. Some courses (eg hospitality, beauty therapy) may require students to attend college outside the normal college day. In such cases, students will usually be informed of this requirement during the admissions process.
Funding and Financial Help
EMA and the Learner Support Fund
The government has now ended the EMA scheme. However, the college now has an enhanced learner support fund. The Learner Support Fund can help eligible students with costs related to their course such as uniforms, kits, trips and materials. The Learner Support Fund can also offer cash payments to eligible students. You can apply as soon as you have been offered a place on a full-time course.
Click here for details of financial support available for 2011/12.
Click here for the Learner Support Fund application form
Click here for the Learner Support Fund guidance notes
Care to Learn
Students with a child of their own who are aged under 19 can apply for help with childcare costs through the Care to Learn scheme. Just let us know and we will help complete the forms.
Adult Learning Grant
For full-time students aged 19 or over, the Government has introduced the Adult Learning Grant to help with the costs of learning. The grant pays up to £30 per week for learners studying for their first full level two or full level three qualification. Eligibility is subject to financial assessment. For more details, please contact Student Services.
Childcare
The college offers childcare provision at the King’s Lynn and Isle Campuses. The Children’s Centre in King’s Lynn offers a safe, fun and friendly environment for children from 2 months to 5 years old. All staff are highly trained and experienced and aim to provide the best possible care and stimulation. The centre is registered with Social Services and has been classed by OfSTED as “outstanding”, which places it in the top 2% of nurseries in the country. For further information and availability please call the Children’s Centre Manager on 01553 761144 ext 2348. We run a Parent and Toddler Group, a Pre-School Group and an after-school Kids’ Club at the Isle Campus. For children in full-time primary school we currently offer a collection service from schools in Wisbech to the Kids’ Club. For more details, please contact the Children’s Centre Co-ordinator on 01945 582561 ext 351.
Transport
There is a comprehensive transport network serving the college, which is run and co-ordinated by the Local Authority. Subsidised travel passes are available to all full-time students aged under 19. There are bus routes from Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire serving the college campuses – some travelling in from over 40 miles away. We also run a free daily bus from the King’s Lynn Campus to the Wisbech Campus and back for landbased students to use. Once your child has applied for their course, we will send details of transport and how to apply. For more details on the transport available from your area, please contact student services by calling 01553 761144
Accommodation
For students who live too far away to travel to college on a daily basis, we can help with two types of accommodation; lodging with a local family or self-catering. For further information please contact Student Services at your centre of study.
College Policies
The college has a number of systems, policies and procedures designed to ensure the security and wellbeing of students and staff and the smooth operation of the college. All relevant policies are available from Student Services and here on the college website.
College Charter
The College Charter outlines the provision that every student can expect and the level of service we provide. Copies of the Charter are on display throughout the college.
Single Equality and Diversity Policy
The College of West Anglia is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all learners, clients and employees. We are also committed to acknowledging the diversity of the society in which it works. No applicant, employee, student or client will receive less favourable treatment or be demeaned on the grounds of ethnicity, gender, race, religion or belief, nationality, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, age, or trade union activity. We will ensure that, wherever possible, our practices match the diverse community we serve.
Child & Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy
The college is committed to ensuring that it provides a safe environment for children and young people to learn in, identifies children and young people who are suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm, and that it takes appropriate action to see that such children and young people are kept safe. The college recognises that some adults are also vulnerable to abuse and procedures may therefore be applied to allegations of abuse and the protection of vulnerable adults.
Complaints and Suggestions
The college is committed to providing the highest possible standard of service and we aim to satisfy all our clients and customers. However, we recognise that sometimes things go wrong or you may have a suggestion on how to make improvements to our service. In this regard, we operate a “Putting Things Right” service and complaints, compliments and suggestion forms are freely available at all our centres. Alternatively, you may contact Andrew England: aengland@col-westanglia.ac.uk or 01553 761144 / 01945 582561. We promise to respond within 10 working days.
