Supporting your young person at college
Welcome
to the community of The Bedford College Group
We are delighted that your young person has chosen to study with us, and we will work closely with you throughout their time here keeping you updated on their progress and sharing their achievements.
This guide will help you to prepare for the academic year ahead and provide you with some key information and contacts.
“Provides an interesting course perfect for my child, and what they would like to do in the future. I feel teachers support students in actual written work and the workshop is really well run.”
Parents Survey 2024/2025
How can you help
It’s about being a team
Supporting our students is a team effort and you play a vital role. By working together, we can help every young person feel safe, supported and ready to succeed.
Here are some simple but powerful ways you can make a difference in their journey with us.
• Encourage 100% attendance – students who attend achieve!
• Remind them to bring (and wear) theirID Badges – support them to be proud of their place in our community, help us all to stay safe and get ready for future work opportunities – all staff wear badges!
• CHECK HERE to see if they are eligible for financial support through our bursary scheme.
• Ensure we have up to date contact details for you including a mobile and email address.
• If your young person doesn’t think they’ve chosen the right course, encourage them to talk to their Learning Mentor or Tutor, alternatively for more details on ‘Talk don’t Walk’ CLICK HERE.
• If you are concerned about your young person, contact our Safeguarding & Welfare Team CLICK HERE or for additional details on ‘Report & Support’ CLICK HERE.
• Celebrate their success and achievements with them.
• Support them in developing time management skills to balance study, work, and social life.
• Promote healthy routines, including good sleep, regular exercise, and balanced meals, to boost focus and wellbeing.
• Encourage good study habits at home, such as setting aside regular time and a quiet space for coursework.
Keeping you informed
Progress reports
Each student will have access to a Learning Mentor (or Personal Achievement Tutor if studying at the Sixth Form) who will provide support during the year.
You will also be invited to parent sessions where you’ll have an opportunity to discuss your young person’s progress with the curriculum teams.
Attendance
Regular attendance really is key to achievement. As part of the student induction your young person will have the importance of attending all elements of their study programme highlighted as you can see here:
Suggestions & compliments
We value feedback from parents, carers, and all members of our college community, as well as from the wider public. Your comments help us to celebrate what we do well and make improvements where needed, ensuring the best possible experience for our students.
How to share your feedback
We encourage you to share your thoughts directly with us, whether it is a compliment, suggestion, or complaint. While we usually expect feedback to come from the person involved, we are happy to receive comments from a parent or advocate on a student’s behalf.
If your feedback relates to a specific course, we recommend you first speak to your child’s tutor or Head of School. This gives them the chance to address the issue quickly. If you are still not satisfied, you can complete our online feedback form, providing as much detail as possible so we can deal with your query promptly.
CLICK HERE to share feedback.
Bedford 01234 291934
studentservices@bedford.ac.uk
Shuttleworth College 01767 626232
studentservicesshuttleworth@bedford.ac.uk
Central Bedfordshire College & National College for Logistics 01582 477776
studentservices@centralbeds.ac.uk
Tresham College & National College For Motorsport 01536 413232
studentservices@tresham.ac.uk
Frequently asked questions
My young person is unable to attend College today – how do I let you know?
They should notify their Learning Mentor via phone, email or Microsoft Teams. If your young person is studying at a Sixth Form, specific arrangements will be shared with them at induction.
My young person has lost their ID badge. A new badge can be printed at College reception – these cost £2.
Is there funding available to help with the cost of specialist equipment?
Please CLICK HERE for bursary support.
My young person has developed a medical condition, who should I contact?
Contact our Additional Learning Support department CLICK HERE.
What are the term dates?
CLICK HERE for College term dates.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch.
0345 658 8990
info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk
We aim to create successful partnerships
Scan the QR code to find out about our higher skills courses
0345 658 8990
Bedford College Cauldwell Street, Bedford MK42 9AH
Central Bedfordshire College Kingsway, Dunstable LU5 4HG
National College for Logistics Chartmoor Road, Leighton Buzzard LU7 4TN
National College for Motorsport Unit 8 & 2285, Silverstone Park, Towcester, Northants NN12 8GX
Shuttleworth College Old Warden Park, Biggleswade SG18 9DX
Tresham College Corby Campus Oakley Road, Corby NN17 1NE
Tresham College Kettering Campus Windmill Avenue, Kettering NN15 6ER
Tresham College Wellingborough Campus Church Street, Wellingborough NN8 1BJ
DISCLAIMER: While every effort is made to ensure that the information within this prospectus is correct at the time of printing, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the study programmes, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if student numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course, we will refund any fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due. This publication is also available in large print and audio formats. Call: 0345 658 8990 for a copy
