The Sixth Form College Farnborough is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for care-experienced students from school to the College. We aim to provide all the necessary information, resources and support to enable students to succeed and progress.
We recognise that there are particular challenges for students who have been in a ‘looked-after’ environment and offer the following support:
Moving from school to college - There are a number of opportunities for prospective students to visit the College. Once students are enrolled at the College, we offer activities which help them to settle in and get to know new people. This includes our diverse enrichment programme, which gives students the opportunity to take part in a variety of clubs and societies outside of lesson time.
Financial support - There are two forms of bursary for 16 to 19 year olds that the Government provides via the College. The Guaranteed Bursary is an annual sum of £1,200 paid to care leavers or learners who are looked after by the Local Authority. The Discretionary Bursary is awarded to students to help them overcome the individual barriers to participation they face, so covers costs for transport, equipment, books etc. We also offer support in the form of loans and free school meals.
Support for you - The College is unique in the way that it supports its students. Every student is assigned a specialist Personal Tutor who provides support, advice and guidance to them throughout their time at the College. Our bespoke tutorial programme, which includes the Prospects Diploma, is designed to guide students through the challenges and new experiences of college and to help prepare them for their next steps, whatever they may be.
Academic support - We understand that many care-experienced students may have had a disrupted educational experience. To ensure that students achieve their full potential, the College offers a variety of individualised academic support, from subject specific workshops and one to ones, to generalised study support.
Counsellors - The College provides a free, voluntary and confidential counselling service, which is open to all students. Counselling is a place where students can talk about anything that is on their mind, from feeling overwhelmed, anxious or sad, to issues such as low self esteem or relationship difficulties.
Careers and progression support - The primary focus of our 'Prospects' team is to support and develop our students so they are ready to progress armed with the skills and knowledge that allow them to be successful. The team provides information, advice and guidance to all students and organises specific events targeted at widening the opportunities for care leavers and students who are looked after.
Anne Temple-Hall is the College’s designated care leavers’ and looked after coordinator. Anne is the point of contact for students both at pre enrolment and throughout their time at the College. You can contact Anne on [email protected] or 01252 688308. More information about support for care leavers can also be found on our website.
