At Weston College we put our students at the heart of everything we do, so we are keen to make sure your move to degree level study goes smoothly.

Preparing for your first year of life as a degree level student can be daunting, but our Student Services team will make this time as easy and exciting as possible for you. We can give you the support you need to not only be successful, but also make sure that your time with us is a great experience.

We can offer help and advice with:

• Childcare
• Counselling (a free and confidential service)
• Careers guidance
• Student finances: student loans, higher education access to learning funds and emergency loans
• Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
• Personal tutors
• Health, with our onsite College nurse
• Accommodation

We make sure all our students have a personal tutor so that you get the individual support and advice you need. Your tutor will listen to any worries you have and give you regular feedback on how you are getting on at college. During your tutorial sessions we will enable you to complete additional qualifications to enhance your CV. This would generally include health and safety, finance and sustainability.

Always here to help

At our Higher Education (HE) Unit, we give all students throughout the year a friendly and helpful service by:

• Advising on and allocating our student accommodation
• Helping you if you want to find your own privately rented accommodation
• Giving out our scholarships
• Talking to you about your options after completing your degree level course.

If you have any problems during your time with us, we’re here to support you.

Equal and diverse
All of us at Weston College are proud that our students come from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to being an inclusive college, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We anticipate and respond positively to different needs and circumstances so that everyone who studies here can reach their potential.

We have an Equality and Diversity Policy which applies to every member of Weston College – students, staff and visitors. In this policy, we have set out clear rules against harassment, bullying and unlawful discrimination.

If you want a copy, please call us on 01934 411 481.

Disabled people
A range of support services are available to students with physical, mental health and/ or learning difficulties or disabilities to enable equal access to all our provision.

If you would like to discuss your individual requirements, any reasonable adjustments or would like further information, please contact Student Services on 01934 411 411.

Disabled Students' Allowances' (DSA)
If you are applying for a degree level course and have a disability, ongoing health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty like dyslexia, you may be entitled to Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA). DSA provides additional funding for individual disability-related support, resources and/or equipment. You need to apply via Student Finance England for this allowance and the form (DSA1) can be downloaded from www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance.
For more information and advice on this process please contact the Learning Support Team at Weston College on 01934 411 558.

You can do it too
You’d be surprised how many people are unsure that they’ve got what it takes to be a degree level student. At Weston College we do all we can to encourage everyone who is interested in taking the next step in their education. We will consider a huge range of different qualifications and experience to get on our courses, so that as many people as possible can take part.

We can tell you what you can get in terms of help with money and other types of support. We offer advice and guidance on future career choices as well as practical help with your job or study applications. Whoever you are, whatever your background, we provide a safe and supportive place for you to enjoy studying.

Our promise
We have written something called the Student Charter. It describes our commitment to all our students, and tells you what you can expect from us in terms of teaching and learning support. It also gives you an idea of what we will expect of you during your time with us.
If you would like a copy of the Student Charter, please call 01934 411 411.

Joining us from abroad?
If you are coming to study at Weston College from another country, we offer a wide range of support, advice and information to help you settle in and feel comfortable in your new environment.
For more information please contact our Higher Education Unit on 01934 411 780.