How many days per week will my son or daughter be in college?
Full-time vocational study programmes involve a commitment of at least 15 hours per week, typically over three days. A student undertaking an academic study programme will be in class for around five hours per subject, and will usually be in college for five days a week. Many students add to their core programme with the study of English and/or Maths as well as selecting from our broad range of enrichment opportunities.
Apprentices usually receive training on a day-release basis, i.e. one day at College and four days with an employer, however, some apprenticeships are all work-based. The National Apprenticeship Service Parents' Pack is full of resources to help parents understand the benefits of apprenticeships and can be downloaded for free.
What if my son or daughter doesn’t do as well as expected with their GCSEs?
When your son or daughter comes into College to enrol, we will sit down with them and look at their results. If they have not achieved the entry requirements for the study programme they applied to, we will discuss alternative choices with them and offer appropriate Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG). Our commitment is that we will offer an alternative study programme within Shrewsbury Colleges Group to any student who holds a conditional offer of a place and does not achieve the entry requirements. Any student who has not achieved at least a Grade 4 or C in GCSE English or Maths, will be required to study these again alongside their main qualification.
For more information on options for your son or daughter after GCSEs, you can download our Progression Event presentation.
We live out of the Shrewsbury Area, will there be any help with transport costs?
Yes, if you live in the Bridgnorth/Telford area; Llanidloes/Newtown/Welshpool/Oswestry area; Wrexham/Whitchurch/Market Drayton/Shawbury or Newport/High Ercall/Roden area, the College operates a bus service at a reduced rate. Also, if you live over three miles from the college you may be entitled to apply for a Shropshire Council or Arriva Bus Pass (Depending on your financial circumstances). Please get in touch with Student Services on 01743 653200 or see our Travelling to College page.
What happens if my son/daughter requires additional learning support?
All students complete an initial assessment before starting their programme, which will help us, and them, identify any learning support requirements they might have.
If you are able to make us aware of any additional support requirements prior to them starting college, this will enable us to put any support measures or specialist equipment in place from their first day.
How can I be sure my son or daughter is doing enough work to pass the course?
At the Transition Evening in the Autumn Term, you will have the opportunity to meet your son/daughter’s Tutor. They are the person responsible for tracking progress and setting targets. This happens regularly, but there are also three occasions a year when a Progress Review 1:1 takes place in a more formal way. Students receive Progress Review grades at this time, which tell them, and you, their likely final result. Tutors and Progression Specialists will contact you directly if they have concerns about progress.
