Parents &
Guardians

Key info for parents
and guardians
As a parent you know that this is an important time for your son or daughter when making decisions for their future career paths and deciding where and what to study. At Calderdale College we want to help support you in what can seem like a difficult decision making process.

Why choose Calderdale College?

Calderdale College offers a wide choice and extensive range of vocational courses that school sixth forms are not able to offer, plus our extensive links with employers ensures that students are offered relevant work experience to prepare them for the world of work.

College offers a different environment to a school sixth form. Students learn in a less formal, more adult environment, and our aim is to equip students with research and study skills, as well as the confidence and self-discipline. This will help them stand on their own two feet as independent students whether they progress on to the next level of the course or into Higher Education, an apprenticeship or employment.

This is supported by our Step up to Success process where we offer the option of Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) from fully accredited impartial advisers as set out in the Calderdale College CEIAG policy.

You can support your family member by assisting them to access Labour Market Information (LMI) on our Careers Explorer section, the C&K Careers website or through the National Careers Service.

A Parent's View

Anne Chambers, mother of former Level 3 Public Services student Mark Chambers from Mirfield, who also studied a Foundation degree in Health and Social Care at the College said:

“The College has been very good because he [Mark] hated doing A-Levels at school and he’s now at university –he really has just come on leaps and bounds. I think its great from his point of view; hes very sociable and the enrichment was really good as he also took part in other activities such as American Football. I would definitely recommend the College for someone struggling with their A-Levels because I think you get more of a focused subject and its still a Level 3 qualification.

As for myself, I would recommend it as I do not think I would have completed my degree if I hadnt done it at Calderdale College. The College was fantastic; I wouldnt have wanted to do it anywhere else being a mature student. It just gives you that comfort and cushion and the whole placement of the College is great – its easy to park, easy to get to and I cannot praise the College enough.

Pastoral Care

Calderdale College welcomes parents, carers and guardians to become involved with the College and the young person’s learning to maximise the success of the learning experience. We fully recognise the value and necessity of working together where the student is still dependent on family support, and encourage you to make contact if any issues arise.

Parents, carers and guardians will receive a written progress review twice a year, and will be invited to attend parent/carer events during the first and second term. Learner Services run a parent/carer drop in every Thursday during term-time from 4.30-6.30 pm.

If you want to speak to a Student Adviser about Careers Advice, support or course related advice for either existing or prospective students call in to see us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Calderdale College provides a wide range of Level 3 Vocational qualifications that can lead to a Higher Education course.

Achieving a BTEC Extended Diploma qualification over 2 years is the equivalent of 3 A Level grades.

All students with offers of places to start in September are sent a letter in early August inviting them to come and enrol on their course.

The letter specifies a date and time they should come to College. If you have any queries or wish to change the appointment, please call the Admissions Team on 01422 399 316.

If your son/daughter is under 19 on the 31st August before their course starts they will not have to pay tuition fees for a further education course.

For students aged 19+ we recommend you ring Student Services on 01422 399 367.

Some courses may require special equipment such as protective boots, specialist kits and/or uniforms. The College makes every effort to provide free specialist equipment for students, if there is a cost; those with a low household income (below £22,403) can apply through student support funds to finance this.

We know that students don’t always get the grades that they were predicted or do better than expected. If your son or daughter didn’t achieve what they were hoping, don’t panic, come and speak to us at the enrolment appointment, we may still be able to make your child an offer on the original course. If not they will be offered a place to  study on a lower level that represents the grades they have achieved.

If they have done better than expected and the option to move onto a higher level course is ticked in the provisional offer letter, they may move levels within the curriculum area.

With certain courses, such as Construction, Plumbing and Electrical courses, the students will need to start at Level 1 regardless of academic qualifications or ability.

College attendance is different from school and full-time courses do not necessarily run every day of the week.

Some courses require 4 or 5 days attendance at College while others require less. Most courses require self-study and students can study in the Learning Resource Centres when they are not in classes.

Yes, we can provide one-to-one support depending on their needs; we also have a Learning Support Team who work closely with students.

We recognise that many students have part-time jobs, which are valuable financially, and develop their skills. However, students need to maintain a balance between their course and work commitments.

During their time at College all students will have a regular tutorial with their tutor and have access to course and careers information whilst on their course. Student Services provide this in the form of structured group talks on options for progression and one-to-one guidance interviews. Students are fully supported to progress on to the next level of the course or into Higher Education or employment.

The College can help students prepare for and find employment if they do not wish to go on to university.

Did you know?

90% of students go on to employment or further study

OFSTED Good and Outstanding

We were rated Good for our Further Education offer and Outstanding for Apprenticeships!

Here’s what they said

“Teachers ensure that learners make good progress in developing their vocational skills and gain good levels of knowledge and understanding in practical subjects.”

Read more

“Learners gain confidence and improve the social interaction and communication skills that will support them well in their future lives.”

View our OFSTED report here.