Parents, carers and supporters

On this page:

Overview

We offer high-quality teaching and support to help every young person achieve their goals with us. You set them up for success by supporting them to be on time, have good attendance and complete coursework.

Interested in applying

You can support your young person to find a post-16 study programme that helps them to shine and gives them bright prospects for their future.

Once their have made their decision, young people can apply for a course online.

Course options and open events

Our courses

We offer a range of courses:

You can find out more about our range of courses on this website.

Open events

You can attend an open event to find out more about our courses.

Fees and financial support

Fees

There are no tuition fees for students aged 16-18 who meet the standard residency criteria.

Financial support

Students may need specialist equipment and to pay for activities such as residential trips.

You may be able to get financial support to help with any additional costs. Visit our fees and finances page for more information. You can also get in touch to find out more about possible support.

Child Benefit

You can still get Child Benefit after your child turns 16 if they are in certain types of education or training. For further information please visit gov.uk.

Already a student

We encourage you to get involved in the education and training of our students. If you have any concerns about your young person’s progress or experiences, please get in touch.

We need to have your their consent for this recorded on the system. They can tell us when they enrol, or inform us later, who we may discuss their matters with.

Attendance and term dates

We follow up on non-attendance with students, and appreciate your support in encouraging students to maintain high levels of attendance.

Please be aware that we will be seeking permission from the young person to be able to share information with you. This will be completed during enrolment and induction.

If your child is unable to attend college, they need to report their absence.

View term dates and opening times

Learning goals

All full-time students complete an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) during their induction.

This is reviewed regularly with each student’s personal tutor, who will monitor their overall progress and set short and long-term goals. The ILP also helps us identify any additional assistance required.

Parents’ evenings

Our school liaison team frequently hold parents’ evenings at local schools. Your young person will be given information when we have one planned at their school.

Careers advice and guidance

Help your young person make informed career choices

Is your young person unsure about their future career and what course to study? Support them to use the EMSI Career Coach Assessment Tool to find out what their interests are and how they relate to the world of work.

Browse Careers and Courses using EMSI Career Coach to get up-to-date information about the labour market based on national data, related study options at City of Bristol College and career paths in the vocational area you are considering.

See at a glance the latest West of England Labour Market Information highlighting major employment sectors, growth areas, top skills in demand by employers and in-demand occupations.

Careers Leader

City of Bristol College’s Careers Leader is Vikki Wherlock. The role of the Careers Leader is to develop and deliver an inclusive careers programme that meets the needs of students and employers, and make sure it is well-managed and runs smoothly. You can contact Vikki by emailing vikki.wherlock@cityofbristol.ac.uk, or calling 0117 312 5574.

Our Careers and Progression Strategy (pdf) provides more detail about how we help our students to succeed.

CareerPilot

Careerpilot is a free website helping 13 to 19-year-olds in the South West plan their future study and work and has a lot of useful information for young people and parents.

The Careerpilot Parent Zone can help you understand the different options available.

  • Choices at 14, 16 and 18
  • Further Education College
  • Apprenticeships and Traineeships
  • Higher Education (including HE provided at local colleges)
  • Job sectors and growth
  • Funding and support

Useful links

Policies and procedures

Keeping young people safe

We take safeguarding very seriously. You can help keep your young person safe by learning more about the risks they may face.

The Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership has information about issues that may impact child safety.

Get in touch

We value your input and feedback. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us.

Find out more about our centres and facilities

Where to find us