Transitioning from school to college is a is a significant milestone, and at Lewisham College, we work closely with parents and carers to ensure a smooth start for every student.
We believe in creating a nurturing environment that fosters independence and responsibility, equipping young people with the essential skills they need for future success - whether that is in employment, apprenticeships, or further education. Our comprehensive approach focuses on developing key competencies such as time management, effective communication, and teamwork, all crucial for thriving in today’s fast-paced world.
Empowering Your Child’s Future
At Lewisham College, we understand that choosing the right path for your child is a crucial decision. That is why we offer four primary routes for 16-18-year-olds, designed to cater to various interests and career aspirations:
- Vocational Courses: Our BTEC programmes span a wide range of subject areas, focusing on specific career sectors, and incorporating essential work experience opportunities. These courses prepare students for real-world challenges and ignite their passion for their chosen fields.
- T-Levels: Designed for the modern workforce, T-Levels blend classroom learning with industry placements, giving students practical experience and insights into their chosen careers.
- Apprenticeships: We collaborate with employers to create apprenticeship programmes that combine hands-on work experience with a structured training curriculum. This pathway allows your child to earn a salary while gaining invaluable skills and industry knowledge.
- ESOL Programmes: Our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses are tailored to enhance your child’s speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, paving the way for their progression to higher-level programmes and greater opportunities in the future.
- Youth Entry to Further Education: We also offer Youth Entry to Further Education (YEFE) full-time study programmes for native English speakers covering Entry to GCSE level.
As a 16-18-year-old student, young people will be on a study programme which is designed to give them the skills you need to progress to further study or a job in their chosen career.
If you have any queries or concerns as a parent or carer, our dedicated Student Services and Admissions team are here to support you. Please feel free to reach out via our contact us page.
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Study Programmes - What Will Your Child Study?
Studying with us offers much more than just earning a vocational qualification. As a 16-18-year-old student, your child will be enrolled in a study programme designed to equip them with the skills necessary for further study or to kickstart their career in their chosen field.
The Study Programme Includes:
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NCG Guarantee at Lewisham College
Lewisham College is proud to be part of NCG, one of the UK’s leading college groups comprising seven colleges nationwide. Through this collaboration, we provide essential education and training to learners, apprentices, and employers across the country.
Student Benefits
All students at our colleges benefit from the NCG Guarantee, which offers access to various tools and initiatives centered around key principles: Employability, Community, Enterprise, Mental Fitness, and Digital skills. These resources are designed to enhance your child’s skills and employability.
For more information, please visit https://www.ncgrp.co.uk/ncg-guarantee/.
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How your child can progress
We offer a diverse range of courses from pre-entry level up to Level 3, including T Levels and Access to Higher Education for 19+ students. Most of our vocational qualifications are structured to be completed in a year.
This allows your child to start a course that suits their current level of achievement, regardless of their existing qualifications. If they complete their course successfully, they can progress to the next level in the following academic year. Many school leavers who join us with low GCSE grades have successfully advanced through our programmes, achieving advanced qualifications that prepare them for a successful career.
Please see our entry criteria guidance for more information on course levels available at Lewisham College.
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Learning support
We provide a comprehensive range of support to ensure your child maximizes their learning experience. Our Student Support Centre on campus offers additional assistance in English and maths, as well as specialised help for students with dyslexia, autism, Asperger syndrome, physical disabilities, or mental health difficulties. We also offer Supported Learning courses designed to provide tailored support for young people with high needs.
Explore our Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision for more information. If you have questions about your child’s specific SEN needs, feel free to call us at 020 3757 3000.
Our goal is for every learner to enjoy an inspiring and successful experience at college. In addition to academic support, we have various other student services available to enhance their journey. For more information, please our Learner Support page. -
Supporting your child at College
As a parent or carer, your involvement is key to helping your child succeed at college. Here are some effective ways you can support them:
Promote Good Attendance
Encourage your child to aim for 100% attendance and arrive on time. We monitor attendance and will notify parents and carers if their child is missing or regularly late for classes.
If your child unable to attend, please call 020 3757 3000 or email their tutor before midday. Please see our term dates for reference.
Encourage Independent Study
Provide a quiet space at home for your child to focus on homework, assignments and exam preparation, which can enhance their learning.
Stay Informed
We encourage parents and carers to join us for regular progress evenings to discuss your child's performance and next steps. You will also receive termly reports on their progress. Your active support is vital for your child's success at college.
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English and maths
Achieving English and maths qualifications is crucial for every student's success. These foundational skills are essential not only for academic progress but also for future career opportunities.
If your child has not attained a GCSE in English and maths at grade 4 (C) or above prior to enrolling at Lewisham College, they will have the opportunity to study these subjects alongside their chosen vocational course. They will participate in exams aimed at earning the necessary qualifications.
We kindly encourage parents and carers to emphasise the importance of these exams to their children. It's vital for students to attend each exam punctually arriving at least 30 minutes early with all required materials to ensure they are prepared and can perform their best.
The GCSE English and maths examination dates for academic year 2024/25 are:Exams Date Maths Paper 1 Thursday 15 May English Paper 1 Friday 23 May Maths Paper 2 Wednesday 4 June English Paper 2 Friday 6 June Maths Paper 3 Wednesday 11 June -
Careers advice
At Lewisham College, we are committed to helping students acquire not only qualifications but also the skills they need to find meaningful employment. Our Guidance and Progression Officers provide continuous careers support during your child's time here, assisting with CV writing, job applications, and interview practice.
Additionally, we organise careers fairs and workshops, giving students the opportunity to explore various pathways and opportunities available after college. To learn more about our careers and employability support, please click here.
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Safeguarding
We are dedicated to ensuring that our college is a safe and welcoming environment for your child to study every day. All our staff are trained in safeguarding, which includes protecting young people and vulnerable adults from threats like abuse, cyberbullying, exploitation, and radicalidation. They adhere to strict procedures for reporting and addressing any concerns.
We also work closely with local law enforcement and external agencies to keep our students safe both on and off campus. For more information about our safeguarding measures, please visit our safeguarding page. Your child's well-being is our top priority.
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NCG Guide to Information
Click here to read NCG's Guide to Information.