Support for Parents
We’re delighted you’re considering Sandwell College as the next step on your child’s journey. By choosing us you can be sure of a warm welcome, a vibrant learning environment, a raft of exciting enrichment activities and trips, and dedicated student support.
Deciding what comes next is where we can step in and help you start your career journey. You can be certain we will find you the right path based on your aspirations and at the right level.
You can choose from over 100 courses that are shaped by industry, are focused on real outcomes, and will enable you to move forward with confidence. From vocational and technical Study Programmes including BTECs, T Levels and Apprenticeships, to A levels, our curriculum is designed to equip you to be ready for the workplace or university and for the skills needed by employers both now and in the future.
At Sandwell College, we’re proud to deliver high-quality education that leads to meaningful qualifications, specialist expertise, and excellent career prospects. Our employer-responsive programmes cover a wide range of priority industries, from health and social care, engineering and manufacturing, digital, to sports, business and management. Many of our alumni progress to top universities in their field, or on to successful careers and return to share their experiences.
Diversity is one of our greatest strengths, with more than 90 languages spoken in our student community. Our results are above national average, and our recent £33m investment in industry-standard facilities provide the platform for all students to thrive. We take wellbeing seriously, ensuring every learner is supported in a safe, inclusive environment. Parents and carers can be confident that we prioritise safeguarding, welfare, and personal development every step of the way.
We’re here to help every young person and our adult learners to achieve their goals, offering the right support, advice and opportunity to build a bright, successful future.
Lisa Capper MBE
CEO & Principal,
The Sandwell Colleges
What’s it like to be a SANDWELL Student?
All students create their own unique study programme which consists of four main parts:
- Qualification(s)
- 30 hours’ work experience/30 hours’ enrichment.
- Tutorial
- GCSE Maths or English (if needed)
Your child’s course programme will consist of either of the below:
- Apprenticeships
- BTEC route
- T Levels
Can my child change subjects?
Yes, it’s perfectly possible to change a previously chosen course option. Courses should be chosen carefully but choices can be amended right up until the day your child enrols.
How is College different from school?
No uniforms, no school bells, personal study spaces – students will be studying in an adult environment and treated as independent young adults who fully engage with their learning.
How do you keep parents updated on progress?
We send regular communications and reports out to you about your child’s progress and anything else we need you to know. We will contact you directly should there be any issues or concerns. We also have regular parents’ evenings so lecturers can keep you personally updated on your child’s performance in individual subjects.
What is the uniform policy?
There is no strict dress code as our student community is inclusive and diverse and encouraged to express its individuality. We do insist however that no hats, caps or hoods are worn, unless students are exempt, and that ID badges are worn at all times.
What about extracurricular activities?
Our Student Union team is here to help the student voice be heard, and our teaching team encourages, motivates and inspires learners to participate in additional enrichment activities such as debating, Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, sports, trips and visits to cities, galleries, exhibitions and museums, all to complement their learning.
What support does the college give to students seeking work experience?
Our dedicated Work Experience and Careers team helps students to source specific placements, activities and pathways to enrich their personal statement. T Levels are designed with employers and include practical on-the-job training to prepare students for work.
What support will my child receive?
Will my child get all the support they need for their personal, social and career development?
Our helpful Admissions team will support your child’s journey all the way from enquiry to enrolment providing all the necessary information to aid their transition from school to college.
Our Learning Coaches are recent university graduates who offer 1–to–1 and small group subject support outside of lessons as well as regular revision classes.
Our Student Support Officers can signpost other services that students can access including Welfare and Safeguarding.
Our knowledgeable Welfare team supports students to access financial and practical support including bursaries, travel passes and meal allowances.
All students are assigned their own personal tutor and individual pastoral support. Personal Tutors closely monitor and support progress. Your child will attend group tutorials weekly and 1-to-1 meetings with their personal tutor every half-term.
Does the College offer any financial support for students?
Financial support is available via the Learner Support Fund, and students are encouraged to apply for funding as soon as they enrol. For eligible learners, laptops can be provided for lessons and for exams. Free college meals are also available for those who qualify, along with transport cost assistance.
What about the free student bus pass?
All students qualify for a bus pass, which is valid during evenings and weekends. Detailed information on how to apply for and get the bus pass will be provided during enrolment.
How will my child’s physical and mental health needs be met?
Support is readily available for students with health conditions, and wide-ranging pastoral support is provided for those with learning and mental health needs.
What support is in place if students are struggling in some areas/subjects?
Our Learning Coaches provide extra support, including help for students who need to catch up with any lost learning or missed work.
What kind of support do you provide in the transition to university?
All of our students are supported on their journey beyond college. Our dedicated Careers team support learners to secure university places and look for work or work experience. Students will be invited to careers fairs and university open days, as well as being offered 1-to-1 meetings with the team.
Preparation for College
How do students prepare for College?
We will invite your child along to our Discovery Days. During this day staff will guide students and help them to navigate the campus. There is also a chance to get advice and guidance about course choices from universities and to sign up for enrichment courses and sports teams. Enrolment and induction will then take place late August.
What happens if my child doesn’t achieve the required grades for their chosen courses?
It’s best not to worry too much about GCSE results. Our initial advice and guidance is key to achieving your child’s final goal and their preferred experience. Remember we are here to help as soon as results come out.
Can my child retake or enrol for GCSEs?
We offer Level 1 and 2 one-year courses aimed at students who wish to improve upon their GCSE results, and designed to provide a pathway to Level 3 study with us.
How do you ensure students are safe?
We have a team of qualified Safeguarding and Welfare officers that work to ensure that students feel safe and supported. The College is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students with equal protection from all types of harm and abuse, and taking appropriate action to see that they are kept safe, both at home and at the College.
Who To Contact
College 0121 556 6000
Welfare 0121 667 5073
Safeguarding 0121 667 5101
Learning Support (Study Link) 0121 667 5064
Attendance Line 0121 667 5028
Careers Team 0121 667 5035
What To Do If Things Don’t Go To Plan
If there is anything you need us to resolve, it is important that you let us know as soon as possible so that we can help put it right. We want to learn from our experiences and improve our service to you. If you do have concerns, most issues can be sorted out by talking to tutors and Heads of Department.
Student journey
June: Welcome Event for Parents of New Students
Late June: Discovery Day
Late August: Enrolment immediately following GCSE results
Beginning of September: Induction
September-January: The UCAS application process (2nd years)
January: BTEC Public Exams
November: Parents’ Evening
May: Public exams start
End of June: Students finish college
Mid August: Results are released
*Please see website for specific dates
sandwell.ac.uk
talk. 0121 556 6000
write. [email protected]
Free Bus & Metro Pass
All 16-18 students who enrol with us at Sandwell College will receive a FREE bus pass. We will provide you with a Term Plus Travel Card that allows travel on West Midlands buses in Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Solihull, Birmingham and Coventry. OR from anywhere along the Wolverhampton to Birmingham Metro line. You can pay a bit extra to top up one option to include the other, AND you can travel at any time, including evenings and weekends. This will be renewable termly if you keep up a good record of progress, behaviour and attendance.
