Frequently Asked Questions from Parents

“Will my son/daughter be able to get into one of the 'better' universities if they study at College?”

Certainly, each year we have several students who obtain places at Oxford or Cambridge; there are staff at College with specialist experience to assist students in making their applications to these universities. Higher education is a major destination of N&CC students. Many students choose the prestigious universities whilst others prefer to attend local ones. Some might argue that it is possibly more beneficial to attend a college, rather than a Grammar School or Independent school, in order to secure a place at the prestigious universities due to the Government's initiative to widen the participation of students from all backgrounds.

“My son is eager to earn money yet he knows he needs to continue his education what could he do?”

An Apprenticeship. Through the College's Business Centre there are a number of programmes available where young people can "earn while they learn". An apprenticeship consists of four days in the work place and one day at College. Trained assessors will visit your son at his place of work where he will be assessed and gain qualifications which will help him in his career.

“My son is 16. Do I have to pay for his education at College?”

No, if your child is between 16 and 19 years of age and normally lives in the UK, he has the right to free tuition. For some courses there may be special equipment required however there are various bursaries available to help towards the cost (dependant upon income).

“What is discipline like at the College?”

We promote an atmosphere which encourages personal responsibility and self discipline in the College and the vast majority of students respond very well to this, but when necessary there are rigorous disciplinary procedures. Sanctions range from a reprimand (which is noted on the student's Individual Learning Plan) to suspension and in serious cases, exclusion.

“My daughter has special support for her to achieve in school; I've been told this will not continue at N&CC?”

INCORRECT, this could not be further from the truth. At Nelson and Colne College we have specially trained staff to help people with specific learning difficulties. We also have a team of learning support staff who give extra support where it is required.

“Will it be ok for me to contact College about my son?”

Certainly, we welcome contact from parents. Programme Leaders, Senior Tutors and Tutors and can be contacted at any time and will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have.

“Although I attended College back in the 80's I believe young people today need a more formal structure and I fear my son will not be mature enough to cope with the relaxed atmosphere”

We do believe it is important that young people learn independence and self reliance but it is wrong to think that the structure of the college day is relaxed, we wouldn't get the results we do if this was the case! We have invested heavily in improving College systems and have a comprehensive tutorial and support system in place which ensures that a structured framework is maintained. Attendance and progress are carefully monitored and parents are informed of any problems. Many young people at 16 have outgrown school and are ready to take their place in a more adult environment; College provides the perfect bridge between school and employment or school and higher education.

“My daughter has not done as well as she could have done at school and it is unlikely she will obtain 5 GCSEs at A* - C; can she still come to college?”

Yes, at College we have a wide range of vocational programmes at different levels to accommodate young people of all abilities. If your daughter has the right attitude and desire to succeed she will be given the opportunity to achieve at N&CC.

“My daughter has been predicted excellent GCSE results; will she be sufficiently stretched to reach her full potential at N&CC?”

Absolutely. When students start at College they do a test to assess their abilities. These assessments, along with GCSE results and other information, are analysed and each student is given an individual target. Progress is very carefully monitored and systems are put in place to support students who may need extra help to achieve their full potential, even for brighter students. Some of the more able students take additional qualifications to enhance their studies and increase their chances of getting offers from the more prestigious universities.

Frequently Asked Questions from Students

“Are there any trips?”

Yes. Many programmes include visits abroad. Details of visits are listed in the prospectus.

“Do you have to study A Levels if you wish to go to University?”

No. Many Universities accept entry from students with Level 3 qualifications such as BTEC National Diplomas and NVQ level 3 qualifications.

“Do students at the College get help with their career decisions?”

Definitely. During tutorials, students receive a lot of help in planning their their next career move after College. Resources and individual guidance are also available in Student Services.Read more about support for students.

“What are the facilities available at the College?”

We have excellent facilities. The College is very strong on support in its widest sense. We have a superb Learning Resource Centre that is well equipped with books, CDs. Videos, PCs. We have well stocked laboratories and many specialist rooms including Music, ICT and Art. We also have an excellent reprographics department; services include binding, laminating and photocopying, all at reasonable rates. See our section on College facilities

“Will there be an opportunity to do sport even if I choose not to study it?”

Yes. Wednesday afternoons are usually made free to enable students to take part in many enrichment activities including sport. There could also be a chance to represent the College. We also have various sporting clubs at lunchtimes and after College.

“What is the atmosphere like at the College?”

We are large enough to provide a wide range of programmes yet still small enough to offer a very pleasant and friendly environment. We have made recent improvements to our common rooms and these have been well received by the students. We are a lively College where students are treated as mature young people; the welfare and success of our students is at the heart of everything we do.

“Who attends Nelson and Colne College?”

We are a College serving the community of Pendle and beyond, and offer programmes to suit all abilities. We have approximately 1300 full time students mostly aged between 16 - 19 and there are also some full time mature students. The approximate breakdown is as follows: 65% studying on advanced programmes i.e. A Levels, BTEC National Diplomas (level 3), 35% studying on foundation and intermediate programmes (level 1 & 2) in preparation for advanced levels, 27% are ethnic minority students, 50% of all students are male and 50% are female.