Strategic objectives

• Extend participation in education, learning and training
• Increase the engagement of employers in workforce development
• Raise the achievement levels of young people
• Raise the achievement levels of adults
• Raise the quality of education, training and user satisfaction

What you can expect from us

Before you join:

• A College prospectus and course information within 72 hours of receiving your request
• Individual help to choose your course from a specialist member of the teaching staff, a guidance worker or a careers specialist
• Clear information on the content, costs and workload of all courses
• An appointment date within at least 7 days of your initial enquiry (full time courses)
• The result of your application within 5 working days of your interview
• Specialist advice and our Disability Statement for those with particular learning requirements with a relevant support plan identified and agreed

During the first four weeks

• A calendar of term dates and information on assessment as well as a timetable at the start of your course
• A thorough introduction to the college and your course
• A student handbook for all those studying 6 hours a week or more
• A Basic Skills Assessment with advice on how to improve your Basic and Key Skills through dedicated classes or classroom and study support

Fees

• Information about learner support funds including EMAs, travel and childcare
• Consideration of remission of fees in cases of exceptional hardship
• A full refund of fees if a course has to be cancelled

Equal Opportunities

• Opportunities to learn in a variety of community venues.
• A commitment to ensuring that disabled people, including those with learning difficulties, are treated fairly
• Reasonable adjustments made to help you succeed.
• A copy of our Disability Statement which provides more detail about what is available to help you succeed

Teaching and Learning

• High quality teaching and learning support
• Classes that begin and end promptly
• The purpose of every lesson clearly shared with you
• Varied and interesting lessons
• Opportunities to improve your Basic and Key Skills and achieve National Qualifications
• Assignments and course work which say clearly what you must do and how you will be assessed
• Marked coursework with clear feedback will be returned to you within three weeks
• A personal tutor for those studying six hours a week or more to provide guidance, monitor progress, and refer you to college support services
• A regular progress review, formal and informal, during your period of study
• Two progress interviews per term for full time students
• Opportunities to enrich your learning and take on new challenges
• The right to confidential careers, higher education guidance and personal counselling
• High quality learning resources

Continuous improvement

• Comments on your course will be requested at least once during your course and appropriate action taken
• The right to register any complaint to reception and we will acknowledge your complaint within 5 working days
• A full response will be made to your complaint within 10 working days

You can find out how we are doing by asking to see

• Information about what our students achieve and what they go on to do
• Reports of college inspections
• The College Annual Report, Self Assessment Report and Development Plan
• A copy of our Service Standards
• Results from our Student Surveys

We expect you to

• Take pride in the good name of the college and abide by college rules
• Take responsibility for your learning by attending regularly and punctually, working hard at your studies and completing all your assignments on time
• Work positively with your tutors and other college staff and make active use of learning support
• Seek help if you need it
• Make use of the information given to you on Health and Safety during your induction programme to keep the College a safe, clean and healthy place for all
• Be considerate of the rights and interests of other College users