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Information for parents and carers
What you can expect
Whether your son or daughter is at school or already at City of Bristol College, we want to help you support them as they make decisions about their future.
The College offers a bridge between school and university, or school and employment. Moving on to College allows students to choose a wider range of courses and gain confidence in a learning environment more akin to the workplace or university. They receive tailored support to ensure each student is happy and achieving their potential.
We hope we can answer some of the questions you have about your son or daughter studying at City of Bristol College.
How can I be certain that my son/daughter will achieve their learning goals?
All full-time students complete an Individual Learning Plan which is reviewed regularly with their Personal Tutor. This allows us to review your son’s/daughter’s progress and to identify any additional assistance required.
Learning mentors are also on hand to assist with planning and organisation, finding information, referrals to other services or simply listening.
Does my son/daughter have to attend College every day?
Every student receives a copy of their timetable at the start of the year. Students are expected to attend all sessions regularly and on time, although some students will not have lessons on every day. A register is taken at the start of every lesson and the course tutor will follow up absences or lateness.
Does the College have a Code of Conduct?
All full-time students will be asked to sign the 
College Code of Conduct (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).
This sets out guidelines on student behaviour and conduct, both on their course and around the College. Students who break the Code of Conduct will be subject to College disciplinary procedures and you may need to be involved.
Will I get feedback on my son’s/daughter’s progress?
You will be invited to attend regular parents’ evenings to discuss their progress and all students will receive end of year reports including predicted grades if appropriate. You are also welcome to email or call us (details below). We encourage you to support your son or daughter throughout their time with us and we value your input and feedback.
Is careers advice available?
If your son or daughter is unsure which course is right for them either now or in the future, we work in association with Connexions West of England to offer regular advice sessions on site, which can be arranged through the Advice & Guidance team. Personal and subject tutors will also be able to help.
Do College students go on to university?
The College supports all students with UCAS applications and personal statements and last year nearly 500 City of Bristol College students were accepted onto degree courses at universities across the UK, including Oxford. Students had taken a range of qualifications at College, from A Levels to BTEC National Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas.
Students also have the option to stay at the College and choose from over 40 university level courses studied in partnership with Bristol, UWE, Bath Spa and Plymouth universities.
Will I have to pay for the course?
There are no tuition fees for students aged 16-18, although students may be required to buy specialist equipment or pay for activities and residential trips. Some financial support may be available.
Can I continue to receive Child Benefit?
The parent or carer of any student under 18 can continue to receive Child Benefit whilst the student remains in full-time education.
Find out more
We hope we’ve answered all the questions you have about studying at City of Bristol College.
However, if you do still have questions you can read our online parents’ and carers’ brochure to help support your son or daugher in the important decisions they have to make and to find out more about what you can expect.
You can also download a pdf version of the parents' and carers' brochure.
(requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).
We run Open Events throughout the year which you can attend with your son/daughter. We also offer schools opportunities for pupils in Years 9-11 to find out more about our courses and life at City of Bristol College.
You can search our website for courses, browse our online course guides, find out how to apply, and see what’s on at College.
Contact us
Call 0117 312 5000 or email enquiries@cityofbristol.ac.uk
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