Resources for Parents and Carers of Young People in FE and HE

 

Helping Your Child Choose a College Course 

Choosing the right post 16 college for your young person can be quite daunting.  There are a variety of colleges offering many different courses and it can be difficult to navigate this.  It’s important to explore what your young person would like to do.

Generally there are two different types of qualification offered at colleges.  A-levels which are a more academic award and Vocational qualifications which are more practical and related to a specific job or career.

Exploring career aspirations is an important part of choosing a college and course but how do you do this?

• Speak to your young person about what they would like to do in the future – try not to impress you thoughts and ideas on to them
• If they are really unsure assure them that this is ok.  Post 16 education is very flexible and there are lots of different options to explore.  If they don’t get it right at first there are options to change.
• Speak to colleges and sixth forms about what they offer.  Seek out their advice team for support
• Many college have Youtube channels with lots of information. 

 
College Open Days/Evenings are a fantastic way of exploring local colleges and what courses might be open to you.  Open events allow you to look around the colleges, talk to teaching staff about the content of the courses and what is expected and generally get a feel for your surroundings. 
 
Open events can happen throughout the year and you are able to go to how ever many you like, in fact it’s probably a good idea to visit your first choice more than once to make sure it is where you want to enrol.  Below are some links to colleges local to Tameside:
 
Tameside College Courses for School Leavers, Adults and Employers in Greater Manchester
 
  Ashton Sixth Form College (asfc.ac.uk)
 
 The Manchester College | tmc.ac.uk
 
 Home - Oldham College - Where Learning Works & Skills Pay
 
Oldham Sixth Form College - Home (osfc.ac.uk)
 
 Stockport College - Welcome to Your Future - Apply Now for 2022
 
 

Applying for College

Once you have identified colleges you would like to apply to (it is advisable to apply to more than one) an application form will need to be completed.  Generally applications are online.  Below is a link to Tameside College’s application form as an example:
   
It is important to declare if your young person has an EHCP, this way your application will be directed to the department who will be able to look at support needs and put this in place for the start of September.
 
Other application forms will be available from the links above.

 

Going for Interview

The next step in the application process will be the interview.  College will want to know that your young person is suitable for your course but also assess you and your interests and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you and the applicant may have.  These factsheets have some help hints, tips and guidance.
 
How to prepare for video and phone interviews | My World of Work
 
Nail your college interview | My World of Work
 

Support whilst at College.

Personal Education Plan meetings will still go ahead each term.  This is a forum to discuss support needs, development and, most importantly, celebrate success.  There will be a nominated person in the college who will be involved in these meetings.

Financial support is available at colleges to help your young person achieve their qualification.  Support is available for equipment, travel, books PPE and other costs associated with the course. 

The link below will take you the official Government guidance for eligibility: 
16 to 19 Bursary Fund: Eligibility - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
 
Every college will have trained pastoral and safeguarding staff on site who are there to deal with any worries or concerns you or your young person may have.  Personal tutors will also be on hand to discuss course worries. 

 

Other Useful Resources

ESOL Resources Follow the link below for details on how to access an ESOL course in Tameside. ESOL in Tameside | GM ESOL