College’s Student Development Team shortlisted for regional award

The College’s Student Development team has been shortlisted for a North of England award which recognises their outstanding careers support and preparing students for the next steps after A Levels.

The Educate North Awards has named the team as finalists in the Student Experience Award – an accolade that appreciates ‘putting students at the heart of the institution’ and exceeding expectation.

The Student Development team is a team of dedicated Tutors led by Jo Wood, whose role is to assist students in navigating College life, along with helping with university applications, employment opportunities, life-skills, personal support and more. Alongside the Tutors is an Enrichment officer, Rowena, who arranges work experience placements and volunteering options, as well as the team’s administrative coordinator, Jane.

"Working with students from the moment they arrive and seeing them grow and develop into the confident young people that leave us is reward enough, however, it’s always nice to know that our work is recognised on a regional level too.”

Jo Wood, Head of Student Development

In a system that differs significantly from other sixth forms’ ‘form time’, each student at the College is assigned one of our specialist Tutors who will look after all their pastoral needs during their time here, which means that teachers concentrate solely on teaching their individual subjects. Students attend timetabled group tutorials throughout the week, following a comprehensive programme designed to support them in the present and prepare them for the future. Students also have one-to-one sessions with their Tutor, and can speak to them on an ad hoc basis in the Student Development Base, which makes the system extremely popular with students.

Each Tutor is an expert in career guidance and they regularly attend conferences and industry seminars, keeping right up-to-date to offer the best possible advice.

The team has developed a series of initiatives and events throughout the course of a student’s two years with us that open up the range of career opportunities available and encourage them to be ambitious.  Each student has a personalised experience so whatever their starting point, the right support is in place -  from helping some students apply for Oxbridge places, to supporting others to make the most of social mobility opportunities.

Over 85% of students went to university last year and with half being the first generation in their family to do so.

This specialist approach is the backbone of the College’s student support system, offering tailored help to each individual allowing them to reach their full potential.

On the Educate North Awards shortlisting, Head of Student Development, Jo Wood, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for this award, which recognises the fantastic work that the team does to support every one of our students. Working with students from the moment they arrive and seeing them grow and develop into the confident young people that leave us is reward enough, however, it’s always nice to know that our work is recognised on a regional level too.”

The ceremony is to take place on 26th April at Manchester's Hilton Hotel.