Making the move from school to college is exciting, but for some people it may be scary and sometimes overwhelming.

We work with students who need extra support to prepare them for college in a range of ways. We also work closely with schools to manage transitions and review arrangements for support in college. This includes reviewing what support has been provided in school, contacting young people directly, offering summer sessions and individual campus tours and orientation.

We ask everyone when they apply if they have any additional needs or a disability.

It is important to tell us this so that we know if you have any additional learning needs.

We also ask if you would like to be contacted about any support you may need.

We write to everyone who has declared a learning difficulty or disability and wants to be contacted, so that we can talk to you about the support you think you need. We then put a plan together with you.

Our aim is to help you to become more confident in your learning and be as independent as possible. This means that support will often be different for different students. When support is needed a block of support is put in place, and this is reviewed every half term. Some people only need one block of support, while others many need support for a longer period of time.

What support is available?

We have a lot of support available, that can be adapted to meet the individual needs, including:

• Self-help strategies to manage studies.

• Strategies for tutors to help students in class.

• Additional learning support in class, which can be provided discreetly.

• Transition events, where students are invited in to meet other students.

• Assistive technology such as laptops and reader pens.

• One-to-one study skills sessions outside of the classroom.

• Transition events and activities, such as visits to the college to get to the college, meet staff and other young people.

Students with EHCPs

For anyone who has an EHCP we contact their local authority to request consults. This allows us to assess whether we can effectively meet your needs.

We then contact you directly to check what support you need, including barriers to learning, as well as strategies to support your learning. This may be done in person or by phone.

Exam concessions

If you have had exam arrangements in the past, please let us know about these. We will work with you to see if you need any concessions while at Leicester College.

Counselling, mental health and mentoring support

We have a range of counselling and mental health support available to all students.

This includes one on one sessions, as well as support groups, information and advice, workshops and social activities.

Additionally, we offer ongoing support to students with long-term mental health needs or a diagnosed mental health condition.

Learning mentors are assigned to students after they enrol and we have assessed what support is needed. They work with them to manage things like time management, achieving specific goals, and attendance.