PARENT AND GUARDIAN HANDBOOK 2026/27
GET THEM READY WITH THE COLLEGE FOR TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE
BE READY BE RESPECTFUL BE SAFE
WELCOME Welcome to Wigan & Leigh College.
We’re looking forward to working together to make sure your child achieves their full potential with us here at the college for technical excellence. Your involvement is crucial to their success, as we get them work ready. Together we can support them to make the most of their time here. We have expectations in terms of their behaviour, timekeeping and attitudes to learning. This booklet sets out those expectations, so that you’re aware of them and can help to reinforce them too. Communication is very important for our relationship to work. We’ll keep you up to date through the college website and our social media platforms, by email and with letters. You can always contact the Head of Studies team if you have any concerns. You’ll find out more about our staff, their roles and contact details as you read on. Thank you in advance for your support. We look forward to meeting you at our new student parent meetings. Anne-Marie Francis Vice Principal of Curriculum
OUR FREDIE VALUES
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FAIRNESS
RESPECT
EQUALITY
DIVERSITY
INCLUSION
ENGAGEMENT
We recognise differences and treat people fairly regardless of their background and circumstances
We build a culture of trust and kindness and do not tolerate any form of discrimination or hatred
We value individuals equally so that everyone has the same opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents
We celebrate difference so that everyone feels that they belong and are valued
We understand and address everyone’s individual needs through the way that we act and behave
We promote a positive culture through diverse representation, effective communication and collaborative working
STUDY WITH US The transition from school to a new adult environment can be both challenging and exciting. Our job is to set boundaries, guidance and expectations to develop young people into valuable, contributing members of society. Your child will have a timetable of lessons and we expect high attendance levels. Some lesson periods on the timetable are for selfstudy. This is when we expect them to use our Learning Resource Centres to complete their work. If your child is struggling with aspects of college life, like self-study, being organised or meeting deadlines, we encourage them to speak to their Personal Tutor or the Additional Learning Support team. We offer support for those with identified learning needs, or those who need help to adapt to different expectations and ways of working. You can find out more on page 16. We’ll get your child work ready through industry relevant experience as part of their programme of learning. While we understand that many gain valuable life skills, and income from taking on extra part-time jobs while at college, we recommend you discuss with them the number of hours they work. They may need to limit their time at work to make sure they have enough time for study.
WHAT
BRITISH VALUES MEAN
British Values aren’t just something to learn. They’re how we live. They guide how we treat each other, work together, and help build a fair, respectful world, whether we’re in college, online or at work.
BEHAVIOUR AND STANDARDS As a student, your child becomes a valued member of our college community and an ambassador for our values. We expect them to follow our Code of Conduct – set out on page 6 of this guide. Please read through so you’re aware of our expectations of how they engage with the wider community as a volunteer, on a placement, on a college trip or during college breaks.
DEMOCRACY
RULE OF LAW
Your voice matters. Use it.
Know the rules. Stick to them.
INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY
MUTUAL RESPECT & TOLERANCE
Be yourself. Let others do the same.
Everyone’s different. Be kind anyway.
We support the Prevent agenda, a government initiative to pursue, protect, prepare and prevent people from becoming involved in terrorism. We challenge extremist beliefs and encourage your child to make informed choices to protect themselves from extremism and radicalisation. And we have a truly inclusive culture aligned to the FREDIE values of Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement. 2
OUR STAFF There may be times when you have concerns you want to raise with us. In the first instance, you should contact your child’s Personal Tutor, who they’ll meet on a weekly basis in tutorial sessions. At these sessions they’ll discuss getting work ready and how your child feels about college, as well as monitoring progress and completing their individual learning plan. Your child can arrange a time for you to meet them as part of the tutorial session. If you have serious concerns, you or your child can make an appointment to speak to one of our Heads of Studies, who provide a pastoral support system.
Maxine Mealey Assistant Principal
Richard Hughes Head Of Studies
Chris Gandy Head Of Studies
Kate Anderton Head Of Studies
We also have a team of Student Liaison Officers and Specialist Personal Tutors, who provide help and guidance outside of studies. They may contact you if they have any concerns about your child’s attendance, behaviour or engagement with their course.
HEAD OF STUDIES TEAM PARSONS WALK CAMPUS
PAGEFIELD CAMPUS
Head of Studies Katie Anderton PW-HOS@wigan-leigh.ac.uk
Head of Studies Richard Hughes PF-HOS@wigan-leigh.ac.uk
Specialist Personal Tutors Jess Harrison je.harrison@wigan-leigh.ac.uk Kim Etchells k.etchells@wigan-leigh.ac.uk Student Liaison Officers Ebony Gaskell eb.gaskell@wigan-leigh.ac.uk Wendy Turner w.turner@wigan-leigh.ac.uk Yvonne Hindley y.hindley@wigan-leigh.ac.uk
Specialist Personal Tutors Sarah Hardcastle s.hardcastle@wigan-leigh.ac.uk Emily Gaskell e.gaskell@wigan-leigh.ac.uk Amy Burrows a.burrows@wigan-leigh.ac.uk
Student Engagement Officer Jay Clarke-Francis je.francis@wigan-leigh.ac.uk
Enrichment Coordinator Emily Cochrane e.cochrane@wigan-leigh.ac.uk Cross-campus role
Adult Learning Mentor Sam Flatters s.flatters@wigan-leigh.ac.uk Cross-campus role
LEIGH CAMPUS
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Student Liaison Officer Mirriam Borer m.borer@wigan-leigh.ac.uk
THE SKILLS ACADEMY Head of Studies Chris Gandy c.gandy@wigan-leigh.ac.uk
Assistant Principal Maxine Mealey LC-HOS@wigan-leigh.ac.uk
Specialist Personal Tutors Karen Gore k.gore@wigan-leigh.ac.uk
Student Liaison Officers Emma Olondo e.olondo@wigan-leigh.ac.uk Yvonne Hindley y.hindley@wigan-leigh.ac.uk
Student Liaison Officers Cassie Seddon c.seddon@wigan-leigh.ac.uk Penny Hammond p.hammond@wigan-leigh.ac.uk
YOUR CONTACT WITH US Your child must provide their consent for us to contact you. We’ll ask them to provide one named contact at enrolment with your home and/or mobile number and email address. We’ll contact you throughout the academic year to let you know about relevant events and activities. We may also call you to discuss support for your child, or matters where your intervention will have an impact. We may need to contact you if: • We have nominated your child for an award, or they’ve won a competition. • Your child hasn’t attended college and they haven’t let us know in accordance with our absence procedure. We’ll call you in the first instance and if we can’t get through, or the absence is persistent, we’ll write to you. • There are behaviour or engagement issues with your child. • We’ve serious academic achievement concerns. • We’ve concerns about safety and welfare. If your child is absent, you may receive a text message from us informing you.
STUDENT PORTAL Your child will have access to their own student portal, which holds information about their attendance, achievements, grades and goals. They can access this from home so you’ll be able to go through it with them and discuss their progress.
PROGRESS REVIEWS We have progress reviews with your child throughout the academic year, which we record on their Individual Learning Plan, accessed through the student portal. We’ll invite you to monitoring meetings to make sure that your child is on track to succeed.
During subject time, your child will have the time to focus on their goals, their feedback and their progress; we call this MyTime. This is their dedicated time to ensure they are on track, understnd feedback and are making or exceeding their expected progress. 4
CODE OF CONDUCT
When your child joins our community, they automatically become an ambassador representing the college and its values to the wider world. They sign up to agree to a set of standards that we expect them to follow, as they go about their business inside and outside college.
AS PART OF THESE STANDARDS, THEY’LL AGREE TO:
Report any absences or late arrivals to the college by calling the absence reporting number – 01942 761 600 (Option 4) – before their first class or by 10am on each day of absence.
Safeguard the reputation of Wigan & Leigh College, both in person and online. acting as a responsible digital citizen, avoiding the posting or sharing of any images, comments, or other content that could harm the college’s reputation, its students, or staff. They’ll understand that online behaviour is part of their personal responsibility and falls under the college’s safeguarding expectations.
Understand that all absences affect their attendance rate, and that the expected attendance rate is 100%. This target is in place to give them the best opportunity to succeed on their course and to prepare them for the expectations of working life.
Abide by the college’s IT User Policy and use computer facilities solely to support their learning. Follow Health & Safety regulations, take responsibility for their own and others’ safety, and follow staff instructions.
Complete all assignments and exams honestly, without cheating, copying, or plagiarising (using someone else’s work - e.g., from the internet, another student, or a book - and pretending it is their own). They’ll also follow the college’s AI Use Policy, ensuring that any use of artificial intelligence supports their learning and does not compromise academic integrity.
Understand that the possession of drugs paraphernalia or use of drugs (including legal highs), alcohol, or weapons on college premises is strictly prohibited.
Attend all college lessons punctually and meet all deadlines for completing work to a high standard at all times.
Wear their student ID card at all times, ensuring that the photo is visible. They’ll need to show it when asked and will never allow anyone else to use it. Not smoke or vape (including e-cigarettes) anywhere on college premises except in designated smoking areas. This includes entrances and exits. Respect the wellbeing, safety, and property of all members of the college and the wider community, and treat college facilities and property with care.
Follow all wider College rules and respond positively to any reasonable request from staff regarding behaviour or standards - e.g., being asked to remove hats or hoods indoors. Be ready, respectful and safe at all times, showing a positive attitude to learning and to the college community. Be respectful of, and prepared for, life in modern Britain (British Values, equality & inclusion) Contribute to an ambitious culture where effort, kindness and courage are valued & respected. premises.
They’ll avoid disruptive behaviour, including persistent talking and inappropriate use of mobile phones during lessons. Show respect to all students and staff, behaving in a thoughtful, caring, and responsible way at all times. They’ll understand that violence, discrimination, harassment, bullying, and the use of foul or abusive language are not tolerated. This includes wearing or displaying logos or slogans that could offend others.
If your child fails to follow this Code, we may take disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Disciplinary Procedure. This may lead to us excluding them from college.
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If in receipt of Learner Support Funding (i.e. 1619 Bursary, 19+ Discretionary Learner Support, 20+ Childcare or Advanced Loans Bursary) and attendance drops significantly below 100 per cent, or they fail to meet the terms of the Code of Conduct, we may stop their funding.
WHAT YOUR CHILD CAN EXPECT
• A safe, welcoming and supportive environment. • Impartial guidance to make sure they’re on the right course at the right level. • A period of induction for an insight to the course and college life. • A quality course delivered by qualified, experienced tutors who have passion for their subject and a wealth of industry experience. • Regular setting of work, prompt marking and relevant feedback. • A variety of teaching and learning styles, which may include small group tutorials, individual tutorials, assignments, project work and other methods of supported self-study. • Programmes that meet relevant assessment requirements, providing a sound and logical course of study, leading to a qualification of value. • Regular reviews to assess and monitor progress, record achievements and plan actions. • Additional learning support if they have a difficulty or disability. • The opportunity to develop skills, knowledge and understanding to get them work ready, including good quality work experience, work simulation, industrial awareness, conferences and work shadowing. • Accurate and impartial advice for a successful progression route. • Opportunities to enrich studies through trips, visits, competitions, social and charity events and volunteering. • Opportunities to have their say on the course and the college to support our planning. • An approach to learning that takes into account the impact of any trauma experienced in childhood.
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INTRODUCING PARENT/GUARDIAN CONTACT HUB Your child has been given information about how to set up yourself on our parent / guardian contact hub. It is important that you support your child whilst they are at college, and throughout the year, there will be important information that we want to share with you. The easiest way for you to access this information, is via our Contact Hub. This will allow you to see your child’s: • Attendance and punctuality • Timetable • Exams timetable In addition you can see any messages that we have sent to you.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
Once your child has set you up as their contact, you will receive an e mail with a link for you to create your account. Please note that it may take up to two working days for you to receive the email. If you have any problems creating the account, please contact your child’s Personal Tutor in the first instance.
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DIGITAL We use the following online platforms to connect with your child. We’ll help them access if they’re unfamiliar.
Microsoft Teams
An app and website for online groups connecting your child’s classes. They can share and access files, chats, assignments and a variety of other apps. They also make group and individual audio/video calls, usually at the start of each lesson. Access through college log in (Microsoft 365) account details. We recommend your child download the MS Teams app to their phone, so we can keep in touch throughout the academic year.
Nearpod - For interactive presentations
An app and website for lesson presentations. Lots of interactivity - questions, drawings, 360-degree field trips, video and matching tasks. Access wil be provided by tutors and they will share a unique code for your child to join the session.
VLE - Virtual Learning Environment
A web page for course resources which also has additional interactive elements. Your child will be able to access the VLE from the college website. They will use their college username and password to log in.
ProPortal
A web page to view and edit assessment grades and individual learning plans. Your child will be able to access this from the college website, using their usual college username and password to log in.
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NETIQUETTE Netiquette is a set of guidance principles for acceptable and polite online behaviour. It’s important that your child’s interactions are respectful, considerate, and appropriate across various digital platforms, so we encourage them to follow these simple guidance principles in online communication. THE HUMAN ELEMENT
Everyone who read your words, or sees your photos or videos online deserves respect. So before you press send or submit, ask yourself whether you would have a problem if someone else had written it.
IF NOT IN REAL LIFE, THEN NOT ONLINE TOO
Hopefully, you wouldn’t stand in front of a stranger and be rude to them face-to-face, so keep the same standard online. And remember to respect people’s privacy.
CYBERSPACE IS A DIVERSE PLACE
The online space is geographically and culturally dispersed, so think carefully about the word choice and topics you upload.
EXTINGUISH FLAME WARS
Flaming is when people are emotive when expressing their annoyance on a subject. Flame wars, however, is when two or more people exchange angry and explicit posts between each other. This must be controlled before it escalates to compromise the integrity of the group. Don’t feed the flames; extinguish them by guiding the discussion back to a more productive direction.
FORGIVE
Everyone makes mistakes online. At some point, you’ll come across a poorly worded comment, a question that seems obvious, or a post with spelling or grammar mistakes. When this happens, respond with kindness and understanding, just as you would hope others would if you made a similar mistake. If it’s a minor issue, it’s often best to let it pass.
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STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES (REPS)
Student Reps are the link between students and the college. They listen to thoughts and ideas and feed back to Student Council. Student Reps represent students at every level of the decision-making process, so they really are their voice in shaping the future of the college. If your child tells their Student Rep how they are feeling about their course, or other areas of college life, it can drive positive change to make sure students are getting the best experience you can.
ABSENCE There is a proven link between your child’s attendance and their success. We set the bar high and challenge them to attend college every day that is set out on their timetable. Those who achieve high attendance rates reap rewards not only in exam success, but also in developing an attitude essential to becoming work ready.
If we don’t hear from them, we’ll contact you to find out why they’re not in college.
ABSENCE PROCEDURES
LATE ARRIVALS
Poor attendance often leads to underachievement and may result in disciplinary action. You can find out more about this in our college disciplinary policy. Being late to class is disruptive for other students. While we understand that sometimes being late is unavoidable, if your child is persistently late, we may also resort to disciplinary action. They, or you, may have to pay a fee for missed exams and they may have to pay back financial awards or bursaries. But it’s not just their pocket that’s hit, poor attendance may jeopardise their success in becoming work ready. Employers request information about attendance, as part of a job reference request, so there’s a lot at stake.
If they don’t let us know when they’re going to be late or absent, they’re breaching the college Code of Conduct and may be subject to the disciplinary process.
If your child is late for college and has told us in advance, they should speak to their tutor at the end of the lesson to make sure we’ve recorded a late mark and not an absence mark for them.
UNAUTHORISED ABSENCE
We expect them to make routine doctor, dental, orthodontic or optician appointments outside timetabled classes. If they do occur during your college day, we also record them as unauthorised absences. Even if your child tells us they’re going to be off sick, we record this as an unauthorised absence.
AUTHORISED ABSENCE
We expect your child to book holidays outside term time. There are many weeks throughout the year to choose from, but if they do take holidays during term time we’ll record them as unauthorised absences.
We record some absences as authorised, but your child should tell their Personal Tutor in advance to get approval.
REPORTING ABSENCES AND LATENESS
• interviews for university, apprenticeships or full-time jobs
Your child should let us know if they’re going to be late or absent from college before the start of the first lesson, or no later than 10am on the day. If they’re 16-18 you may let us know instead.
They’ll need to provide evidence of these types of absences: • university open days (3 an academic year)
• hospital appointments or admissions supported by a doctor’s note or hospital letter • bereavement or a funeral
Tell us why they’re going to be late or absent on
• religious holidays.
01942 761600 (option 4) before 10am.
We don’t expect prior notice of serious medical emergencies or a sudden unexpected bereavement.
If they’re absent from a work placement they must let them know too. If your child is absent, you may receive a text message from us informing you.
COMING SOON Our new on-line absence reporting system.
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Our team offers impartial advice to help your child make decisions about how to get work ready and plan further study options after their course. They can meet us to find out more about: • How to change course or get an apprenticeship. • UCAS applications. • Student Finance applications. • Applying for higher education at our University Centre. • Job searches, CVs, letters and job applications. • Co-ordinating work placements. • Identifying and building the skills to get ahead. • Researching and planning to support your career ambitions. • Funding and welfare. • Support agencies.
SIAN WALKER
Former school: Bedford High School Course: T Level Education Teaching and Education Grades: Distinction Progression: Apprenticeship at Leigh St John’s CofE Primary in conjunction with BA (Hons) Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status - Edge Hill University Sian conducted her work placement with SEN children at a primary school in Leigh. She said: “I liked that the T Level had more placement hours, and it was more practical for me. “I got to do phonics lessons with lowerlevel children and English skills such as reading. The placement has helped me to become a lot more independent, and I have learnt to be more patient working with children. “I have enjoyed the course. I’ve been able to put lots of what I have learnt into practice on the placement such as safeguarding policies.”
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CAREER PLANNING
WORK EXPERIENCE
We provide experiences to support your child in achieving their dream career.
As a full-time student, your child will do a placement or work experience to get work ready.
We hold guest speaker sessions from industry experts, visits to workplaces and opportunities to work on employers’ live briefs and projects.
Work placements vary depending on the course. They’ll find out more about the type of work experience they’ll have during their induction period.
We use up to date labour market information to help them explore careers in their chosen industry, find out more about salary and earnings, growth opportunities and the skills they need to get work ready.
A work placement can help them decide on the careers or industries they want, or don’t want to work in. It can also help to:
View your child’s Career Passport here
Your child can book an appointment through the reception team or call: Parsons Walk Campus: 01942 761 681 Pagefield Campus: 01942 761 819 Leigh Campus: 01942 761 487
· Develop skills for careers · Develop professional behaviour. · Discover new talents. · Strengthen CVs. · Improve industry knowledge. · Put learning into practice.
MEET THE EMPLOYER EVENTS
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You and your child can meet local, regional and national employers who are recruiting for apprentices, or jobs, at events held at our Pagefield Campus
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MyJourney is your child’s Personal Development and Tutorial curriculum and an essential part of their study programme. Key themes and specialist workshops will be delivered by their Personal Tutors and external speakers, alongside opportunities and activities designed to challenge and support their wider development. 12
STUDY DAYS Study days form an important part of your child’s weekly timetable. It’s time set aside for them to: • Attend enrichment and work ready activities. • Practice, revise, reflect and be creative. • Complete coursework. • Attend work placements. • Take part in Duke of Edinburgh or enrichment programmes. • Run their own club or group and join in with existing ones.
STUDENT VOICE
DISCIPLINE We want to make the transition from school to college as smooth as possible. Your child’s independence will start to develop and there’ll be lots of new experiences and some challenges. We all work together to create an environment of mutual trust, respect and confidence. We achieve this when we assert our legal and moral obligation to act against unacceptable behaviour or practice.
Your child can make their voice heard in lots of ways while they’re a student here. Their feedback helps to shape our planning, so it makes a real difference to us in terms of our continuous improvement. They can make their voice heard as: • a student rep • a student ambassador • a student council member • a student governor • at curriculum reviews • at student events.
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We’ll challenge any form of discrimination, harassment, vandalism or disruption against people and or property, if appropriate. We’ll take disciplinary action and involve the Police or other external agencies when appropriate. We’ll also take disciplinary action if your child is involved in illegal activities outside college, if they put our premises, staff, students, or ours or partners’ reputations at risk.
They can also attend events including the Student Conference and Haigh Hall motivational days.
We expect that all of our students are responsible online and don’t share images of anyone else without consent.
If your child wants to find out more, they can speak to the Head of Study, a Student Liaison Officer, the Chaplain or Personal Tutor.
You can visit our website for details of our college rules and regulations and the full disciplinary procedure.
ENRICHMENT There are lots of enrichment activities and opportunities for your child to join, helping to enrich their college experience, meet people with similar interests, and have some fun along the way.
EXPAND YOUR MIND CELEBRATING DIFFERENCE
• FREDIE • Cultural Events • Pride • Black History Month • International Women’s Day • Disability Awareness
AFFINITY GROUPS
• LGBT+ • Young Carers • Neurodiversity • Inclusion • Student Voice • Geek Club
STUDENT LEADERSHIP • Student Council • Ambassadors • Governors • Peer Mentors • Event Planning • Strategic Away Days
VOLUNTEERING • Charity • Community • Social Action • Trust in Leigh • The Brick • Veterans • Local Partnerships
DISCOVER• BELONG • LEAD • SUCCEED
SPORT & PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES • Basketball • Silent Disco • Rugby / Wheelchair Rugby • Football • Gym • Yoga • Swimming • Dance • Fitness • Wellbeing walks • Inclusive sport • Climbing
DEVELOPING LIFE & FUTURE SKILLS•
Preparing for university, apprenticeships and employment
• CV workshops • Bite Sizes for students - from financial good health to motivational talks • Interview practice • Medical Society • Student Magazine • Presentation skills • Debating • Student mentoring / coaching • Mock interviews • Digital skills • Public speaking • Entrepreneurship
ARTS & CULTURE
Be creative. Be inspired.
• Theatre visits • Music • Dance • Drama • Photography • Fashion • Creative Arts • Book Club • Film Club • Spoken Word • The Old Courts • Cultural celebrations • Heritage and community projects • Guest speakers • Sir Ian McKellen Theatre events
BELONGING • Friendship groups • Meet new people • Build confidence • Find your community
NATURE, OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE
Challenge Yourself
• Duke of Edinburgh • International visits • A wide range of trips & visits • Residentials (including Student Council Strategic Away Days) • Water sports, climbing, arts…. and much more • Environmental projects & Conservation Club • Student Leadership Opportunities • Well-being Wigan – our Green spaces activities • Water Safety and Learn to Swim • Photography walks 14
WELLBEING If your child struggles with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues, we’ve got their back. We’ve an inclusive approach to respecting those with mental ill health. We challenge associated stigma through our teaching, and promote wellbeing through tutorials and enrichment, offering targeted support. Our wellbeing team can help with: • tips to help develop confidence and self esteem • strategies to develop resilience • meditation and breathing exercises • mindfulness techniques. We recommend apps, online tools and live web chat support. However if social media is contributing to their difficulties, your child may benefit from our Digital Detox sessions to promote positive mental health without the use of technology.
ADDITIONAL LEARNING SUPPORT We offer Additional Learning Support (ALS) at all our campuses on a regular basis or just occasionally, for those who disclose a learning difficulty or disability. We have a team of specialist tutors who can offer a support plan for your child following a confidential assessment. If your child just needs extra help with their studies, they can access this in Additional Learning Support Study Rooms, without booking. We can help them with skills like planning and organisation, structuring assignments, research and proofreading.
We have links with local health and voluntary sector groups and may refer students for support if we are unable to meet their needs.
LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRES Each of our three campuses have a library service and access to a wide range of technology, resources and services to support learning. Your child also has access to a growing collection of online resources including thousands of e-books, e-journals and e-databases. These are all accessible on the College VLE and available on and off campus on any device with an internet connection. At the start of their course, your child will have their own college computer network account and secure storage space on the network. They’re also provided with a printing allowance which they may top up if they need to.
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COLLEGE BURSARY You may be eligible for help if you meet certain criteria on a full-time, fully-funded course and are: • 16 and over but under 19 on 31/08/2026 or • 19 on 31/08/2026 and continuing into a second year of study on the same course or • 19 - 24 and have an Educational, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) AND • Meet the Discretionary Bursary Criteria (household with an income up to £35,000) or 19 - 24 with EHCP living independently or • Meet the Vulnerable Bursary criteria (household income of £35,000) for students aged 16 and over but under 19 on 31/08/2026.
WE CAN HELP YOU WITH Vulnerable Bursary
You may be entitled to help towards travel support, equipment, materials, uniforms and trips based on financial assessment.
Discretionary Bursary
You may be entitled to help towards travel support, equipment, materials, uniforms and trips based on financial assessment.
Free College Meals
On attendance days, free college meals may also be available for students dependent on financial assessment.
Scan the QR code to apply If you need any further assistance please speak to a member of the Funding Team thefundingteam@wigan-leigh.ac.uk
*Funding is subject to attendance and behaviour. Further terms and conditions apply.
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FREE BUS PASS FOR 16-18 YEAR OLDS
FOR STUDENTS WHO LIVE OUTSIDE GREATER MANCHESTER
FOR STUDENTS WHO LIVE WITHIN GREATER MANCHESTER
You can get a free student bus pass if you’re enrolled at Wigan & Leigh College on a full-time course up to Level 3.
You can get a free OURPASS if you’re enrolled at & Leigh College. You’ll need to live in Greater Manchester and aged 16-18.
You must live outside of Greater Manchester and aged 16-18 before the 31 August. You’ll need 90% attendance to get your spring and summer passes.
You’ll pay a £10 admin fee to Transport for Greater Manchester, if you’re eligible for our college bursary we’ll give you back that money in your first term.
You’ll get your pass at the start of term in September. If you lose it you’ll have to pay for a replacement.
If live oustside Greater Manchester apply for our college student bus pass instead.
wigan-leigh.ac.uk/free-bus-pass
PARKING Students at our Wigan campuses you can park at Water Street Car Park. Parking at college is only for staff, as we are currently undergoing a campus re-development, and parking is limited. Passes can be obtained from receptions.
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FIND OUT MORE
ID CARDS When they enrol, we’ll give your child a Student ID card free of charge. It will show their photo and unique college number. We encourage you to support us in making sure that they wear their ID badge every day they are in college ID cards are important for everybody’s safety, because we can see that the people on our premises are supposed to be here. We expect them to take care of their ID card and always wear it so it’s visible when they’re in college. It helps them feel like a part of our community and recognisable to the wider one. It also gets them work ready, as employers expect their staff to wear ID cards. ID cards are part of the colleges safeguarding practice, designed to keep everyone safe. Students may on occasion forget their ID card and support will be given. However, it is important to note, that if a student keeps forgetting their ID card, they may be sent home to collect it before being allowed onto the campus, or by exception only, have the option to purchase a new one. Safeguarding checks will always be completed in advance and we ask for your support in advance. They may also have problems using travel passes on local transport, as bus drivers recognise the student ID badge. They won’t be able to access credits electronically implanted in the card, like print credits or free college meals.
DIARY DATES Student Progress Evenings for all Year 2 Level 3 Students
Student Progress Evenings for all Year 1 students studying Entry, 1, 2 or 3 Levels
Monday9 and Tuesday 10 November 2026
Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 November 2026 18
TERM DATES AUTUMN TERM
Tuesday 01/09/2026 – Thursday 18/12/2026
Classes Start
Tuesday 01/09/2026
Half Term Holiday
Monday 26/10/1026 to Friday 30/10/2026
Classes Finish
Thursday 17/12/2026
Winter Holidays
Friday 18/12/2026 to Monday 04/01/2027
SPRING TERM
Tuesday 05/01/2027 – Thursday 25/03/2027
Classes Commence
Tuesday 05/01/2027
Half Term
Monday 15/02/2027 to Friday 19/02/2027
Classes Finish
Thursday 25/03/2027
Easter Holidays
Friday 26/03/2027 to Friday 09/04/2027 Good Friday – 26/03/2027 Easter Monday – 29/03/2027
SUMMER TERM
Monday 12/04/2027 - Thursday 01/07/2027
Classes Start
Monday 12/04/2027 Early May Bank Holiday – 03/05/2027
Half Term
Monday 31/05/2027 to Friday 04/06/2027 Bank Holiday - Monday 31/05/2027
Classes Finish
Thursday 01/07/2027
HOLIDAYS DURING TERM TIME ARE NOT PERMITTED
PARENT/GUARDIAN EVENING Monday 28/09/2026
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