Welcome to the Parents’ Hub! 

Moving to college from school is a big step for students and parents/carers alike, and whilst students will be given all the information they need during their admissions interview before starting college and during induction week  when they join us, parents and carers may have questions too. 

This guide covers a range of areas – from attendance to work experience – and further demonstrate why City of Wolverhampton College is one of the top providers of post-16 education in the region. 

Studying at college is different to being at school, but the college has a range of services to help students settle in and feel safe, valued and supported throughout their course: 

Student Hub there are Student Hubs at both campuses, where students can find friendly to give help and advice on everything from course queries and timetables to bus passes and meal cards, as well as careers advice and guidance.   

Study Hubthere are Study Hubs at both campuses and staff can support students with research, formatting assignments and writing skills, as well as help with planning and managing time to ensure deadlines are met! 

English and Maths Hubwe know that a good standard of English and maths is essential for employment and everyday life, and this can be a challenge for some students, but specialist staff in the English and maths hub can help!

From explaining things that aren’t clear, exploring other ways of carrying out a task and checking workings, to helping with any queries students may have.

WolvColl app – the app provides up-to-date information on lessons, college news and extra-curricular activities at students’ fingertips!  

Students are expected to attend every lesson and be on time for every activity good timekeeping is essential for maximising learning time at college and preparing students for future employment as punctuality and time management is a key skill that employers look for.  

If a student has a genuine reason for not attending college, they should inform the CALMS team at the relevant campus on the day of absence, at least 30 minutes before the start of their timetabled lesson.

Contact can be made by email, text, or phone call

If a message/call is not received, a member of the CALMS team will contact them (or the parent/carer) to ascertain the reason for absence.

If a student’s attendance record is of concern or becomes unacceptable, their parent/carer and personal tutor will be notified so that any issues impacting on them coming to college can be addressed.

Poor attendance, persistent lateness or unauthorised absence will not be tolerated and will be addressed through the Student Disciplinary Policy.

Students are expected to adhere to the college’s code of conduct that supports fundamental British Values, and to behave in an appropriate manner at all times when on college premises. 

All courses focus on preparing students and apprentices for future study or employment and, as part of their learning, students will develop the behavioural, time management and communication skills that are necessary for success at university or in the workplace. 

Poor behaviour will not be tolerated and students who continually behave in an inappropriate manner will be subject to disciplinary action in line with the Student Disciplinary Policy.

Throughout their course, every student is entitled to continual careers education, information, advice and guidance to help them understand the progression routes available after completing their qualification, as well as giving them the necessary skills to apply to university, complete a job application and perform in an interview.  

The Student Entitlement for Careers, Education, Information, Advice & Guidance (CEIG) Policy is available to view here. 

A careers-related learning programme is delivered in weekly tutorials and includes sessions on career choices, the skills and qualifications employers look for in their relevant sector, apprenticeships in the sector, entrepreneurship and working for themselves, volunteering opportunities, how to understand a job advert, producing a CV and interview practice. 

The content of the career-related learning programme can be viewed here 

The college’s careers advice and guidance team provide impartial advice on the best routes into chosen careers and an annual careers progression week is dedicated to encouraging students to think about their next steps after completing their qualification. 

The college careers lead and lead governor for careers are: 

Careers lead –  Rose Urkovskis, head of student entitlement, email urkovskisr@wolvcoll.ac.uk 

Lead governor for careers  – Ioana Axinte 

At the end of every academic year, students who successfully complete their course will be invited to attend the annual student celebration event. 

The ceremony – held at an events venue in the city – is an opportunity for students to celebrate their success with their tutors and classmates, watched by their family and friends. 

The event features an inspirational speaker and a musical showcase from performing arts students, before students are individually called to the stage to be presented with a Certificate of Achievement by the college principal. 

In addition, Student of the Year awards are given in each subject are to the student who has excelled in their studies throughout the year. 

Google Classroom is the college’s main virtual learning environment (VLE) and it can be accessed 24-hours-a day from any computer with internet access. 

The platform is used to support classroom learning, allowing access to course materials such as presentations, handouts, videos and assignment briefs, as well as additional online resources to enhance students’ learning further. 

In addition, students can improve their digital skills by taking part in the Inspiring Digital Enterprise Awards (iDEAS) programme which enables them to complete online challenges to earn digital badges and work towards industry-recognised bronze, silver and gold awards. 

The college is committed to supporting all students to achieve their full potential, by not only achieving their qualifications but by also developing essential life skills and looking after their personal wellbeing. 

At the start of the academic year, Freshers’ Welcome Week is a chance for students to take part in a range of fun activities, outside of their course, and to find out about the range of support services that are available in the local area.  

The annual student conference is an opportunity for students to hear from college managers about future plans, listen to speakers, and provide feedback and suggestions on how college life can be made even better. 

And, throughout the year students will have the opportunity to take part in a range of opportunities to enhance their learning, such as arranging charity events, volunteering, attending presentations from inspirational speakers and taking part in extra activities and workshops relating to their course 

Every student automatically becomes a member of the Students’ Union when they join the college and can take part in trips and activities organised throughout the year, as well as stand for election to paid executive roles. 

The college is committed to equal opportunities for all and promotes a culture of cooperation, respect and inclusivity to give all students the same opportunities regardless of disability, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation. 

During their induction programme, students take part in activities to raise awareness of equality and diversity and are actively encouraged to respect differences in their college and personal life. 

Discriminatory language or behaviour, harassment and bullying will not be tolerated and any student deemed to have taken part in such activities will be subject to disciplinary action in line with the Student Disciplinary Policy.

Tutors are experts in their field and many have worked in the sectors linked to the courses they teach so can bring learning to life by sharing their experiences with students during lessons. 

And, with their professional connections, they have links with industry employers who they are able to invite into college to give careers talks, and get news of employment opportunities and apprenticeship vacancies that they can pass on to students. 

The Paget Road and Wellington Road campuses are equipped with industry-standard teaching facilities, as well as a range of and leisure facilities to enable students to have fun in their downtime too. 

Facilities include: 

* Dedicated sixth-form centre exclusively for the use of A-level students (Paget Road campus only)  

*Free wi-fi in all classrooms, public areas and outside spaces 

*Food Hubs providing a selection of hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks 

*Hair and beauty salons offering discounts on all services and treatments  

*Industry-standard workshops and equipment

*Starbucks concession offering the same range of food and drinks as in a high street branch 

*Sports centre and gym with discounted membership and pitch/court hire available  

*Student Hub – for advice on anything relating to college life, including timetables, travel passes and course information, as well as careers advice and guidance  

*Study Hub – equipped with books, learning resources and computers, with a loan facility for laptops and iPads 

Students receive ongoing feedback from their tutors during lessons, as well as from their personal tutor during one-to-one meetings.

The support of parents/carers can contribute to a student’s success and feedback on progress will be provided by tutors at progress evenings. 

These sessions may take the format of face-to-face meetings, virtual online sessions or telephone calls. 

To speak to a tutor at any other time call 01902 836000  or email admissions@wolvcoll.ac.uk 

All course for 16-18-year-olds are fully-funded, meaning that they are FREE! 

Depending on household income, students may also be entitled to free travel and college meals, as well as printing credit and support with college equipment and educational visits. 

Get more information on financial support and eligibility criteria here  

All students are expected to conduct themselves in a way that ensures the safety of themself and others. 

During their induction programme, all students are provided with information about the college’s health and safety policy and procedures and informed of their responsibility to act in a safe and appropriate manner at all times. This information is also included in students’ course handbooks. 

Regular fire drills are help at each campus ensuring that students recognise the alarm bell, and are aware of evacuation procedures, escape routes and safe external assembly points.

At the start of each academic year, all students take part in a comprehensive induction programme to introduce them to college life, what they can expect and what is expected of them. 

The programme covers relevant course content, timetables and the tutorial system, college code of conduct,  regulations and policies, computer and IT facilities, and services provided in the Student Hub and Study Hub, as well as careers information, progression routes and the UCAS (university) application procedure. 

Students will be asked about any additional needs at their admissions interview so that the appropriate support can be put in place for the start of their course: 

Support can be at a number of levels from support in the classroom, resources for students with dyslexia or extra time in exams, to more intensive support for students with a recognised support need or an Educational, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). 

For students with an EHCP, specialist support is provided by the SEND and inclusion team – specialist staff with specific skills to ensure they get the most out of their learning and college experience. 

To contact the learning support team call 01902 836000 or email als@wolvcoll.ac.uk 

All students are assigned a personal tutor who will support them through their time at college. 

The personal tutor is responsible for monitoring progress and setting targets, providing references for university or job applications and signposting to guidance or welfare services if required. 

Students will have regular one-to-one meetings with their personal tutor, giving them the opportunity to discuss their progress and performance, as well as raise any concerns they may have or discuss matters where they require additional help and support. 

Every course focusses not only on the development of relevant industry skills and knowledge required to work in the student’s chosen sector, but also on progression and the next steps the student will take. 

This may be continuing to another college course, gaining an apprenticeship, moving on to university or applying for a job in their chosen sector. 

Students will be encouraged to discuss their next steps with their personal tutor who will give information on the progression options available and provide any support required. 

Advice on progression routes is also available from the careers guidance team in the Student Hub at either campus. 

The college has a legal responsibility to safeguard students under the age of 18 and vulnerable adults in its care, however it is committed to ensuring all students, whatever age, are kept safe and prevented from hard. 

The college has a dedicated safeguarding team with staff who work with students in need to access services and support that they need.  

A member of the college’s executive management team (EMT) is the lead designated safeguarding officer. 

Read the safeguarding policy here

To contact the safeguarding team email safeguarding@wolvcoll.ac.uk or call:

Paget Road campus – 01902 317689

Wellington Road campus – 01902 821558

The safety of students, staff and visitors is of paramount importance and everyone is expected to visibly wear their college ID badge at all times whilst on college premises. 

If a student forgets their ID badge they not be allowed access to college premises and may be asked to return home to collect it. 

It is important that ID badges are kept safe as lost cards are an identity theft and security risk, however if a student does lose their badge they can get a replacement in the Student Hub at a cost of £3. 

Feedback from our students is important so that their views can be taken into account to improve the college experience further. 

At the start of each academic year, all classes elect a ‘class rep’ who is able to raise issues and make suggestions on behalf of their peers.  

Class reps also attend course planning meetings with curriculum staff so that their ideas and suggestions can be incorporated into future lesson plans. 

Students’ views are also gained through regular college surveys and they are also encouraged to make comments and suggestions by completing a Have Your Say form. 

Work experience is an integral part of every course and gives students hands-on, real life experience of working in their chosen field. 

Placements are an opportunity to put the skills and knowledge they have been learning in the classroom into practice in the workplace and learn on-the-job from experienced industry employees. 

Students benefit from work placements in a wide range of companies –including small local businesses, public sector bodies and multi-national organisations – but, whatever size the company, each placement offers a real-life insight into working in the relevant industry. 

Indeed, some employers have been so impressed with students during their placement that they have offered them jobs for when they have completed their qualification.