Vocational courses are an alternative to A Levels. They offer nationally recognised qualifications that are highly respected by employers. The focus is on practical experience, in addition to theory, the overall experience is far more hands on than A Levels. This gives our students a head start in the jobs market as employers place a high value on practical experience to back up qualifications.

Students will learn practical skills and knowledge that are relevant to a specific industry. They study in state of the art workshops, studios and classrooms to give them 'real life' experience. Vocational courses are an excellent choice if your son or daughter already has a particular career path in mind.

Parents are often concerned that vocational qualifications won't be sufficient to allow students to progress to Higher Education at university. In fact, many of the courses on offer qualify for UCAS points and so do allow this progression. 

Other progression opportunities may include further training or employment. You will find details of possible progression clearly stated on the individual course information pages.

All students will work towards gaining the valuable Functional Skills of Communication, Application of Number and Information Technology. An independent qualification, Functional Skills can be studied at a level between 1-5, enabling students to concentrate on their strengths and choose the level appropriate to their needs. As well as providing valuable skills for employment, Functional Skills carry additional UCAS points for university entry. The number of points awarded is dependent on the Functional Skills level achieved in each subject.

We appreciate that as parents, you are invested in the progress your child is making.

All Eastleigh College students are assigned a personal tutor who will monitor and review their personal development, education progress and attendance at regular intervals. Progress reviews will be completed by the Tutor and sent to parents/guardians on a termly basis. They will cover the following key aspects:

• Attendance and punctuality
• General behaviour
• Working to deadlines
• Quality of work

The Tutor will be your main point of contact at the College, and will be happy to discuss any questions or queries you have arising from the reports.

All full-time students have a tutorial entitlement. This is an important part of their personal and academic development, which supports their progress towards personal goals and achieving their qualification. The Tutorial Support Team is on hand to help when any student is having difficulties, either on their course, or on a personal basis. The Team also supports the tutorial process by delivering workshops that are designed to develop students' personal skills and knowledge.

If your son or daughter has additional learning requirements, they will be well supported at Eastleigh College. Our dedicated ALS team are able to offer a range of services and facilities. Check out the learner support page for further information.

Eastleigh College is committed to providing students with a well-rounded experience. We have a full programme of enrichment activities, covering sports, creative arts and a range of other social activities. View the eXtra@eastleigh pages for full details.

Each Faculty holds parent evenings where progress is discussed together with
opportunities for progression. Parents are reminded that tutors can be contacted
and are available to talk about student's progress at any time.

Progress Reviews will be completed by the tutor and sent to parents/guardians
each term. Areas reviewed will include  attendance/punctuality, attitude, working to
deadlines and quality of work.

Students attending Eastleigh College may be able to access financial support due to their personal circumstances. The College devotes financial assistance to students where possible based on a means-tested review of their family's financial income.

Students from lower income families may be able to access support with the cost of travel, equipment and other course related costs during their studies at Eastleigh College.

Students, who are in Local Authority Care, are Care Leavers, live independently and receive Income Support or are registered disabled and in receipt of Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance will be eligible for an annual bursary of £1,200.00. This will be divided into weekly payments of £30.00 with a one-off payment of £108.00 at the start of their course.

All bursary payments are subject to 100% attendance and students meeting the standards set by the College in relation to behaviour and completion of course related work.

Application Forms are available from Student Support Services and must be returned with all required documentary evidence to support applications for funding assistance. Please contact a member of our Student Finance Team on 023 8091 1228 for guidance and further information.

Absences must be reported to the College. We expect students to attend all of their lessons and workshop sessions and take any unexplained absence seriously. The College will contact you if they do not know why a student is not in College. Students should make every effort to attend appointments with their doctor or dentist outside of College hours. Driving lessons should also be taken outside of College hours.

Holidays should not be booked during term time.

• The College promotes healthy and responsible lifestyles
• The College has a refectory and shop which have healthy food options
• Water is available from water coolers around the College
• A sexual health nurse comes into College two days a week
• Some tutors are trained to support their learners in sexual health matters
• College counsellors are available to support students
• Safe driving, healthy eating and responsible alcohol consumption is explored in tutorials

• Students receive training regarding cyber bullying, safe use of mobile phones and the internet
• They know what to do if they see bullying or experience it - they know they will get support
• Health and Safety is heavily promoted - especially in hazardous areas like workshops - if protective clothing is required, students must wear it
• There are trained staff who can support students - whatever the issue
• There is a safeguarding team (see Safeguarding and Child Protection)

We provide support and guidance to our learners and parents/guardians. There are Higher Education Information Evenings, presentations from our local universities, information and guidance on the UCAS application process, information on Student Finance and Disability Student Allowances. There are plenty of opportunities throughout the year to attend events or access individual support.

Arrangements are made for students to visit our Higher Education Fayre. Personal Tutors may invite staff from the universities to come and give presentations on courses and careers. The local universities are also very keen to offer taster days for our students to experience university life and find out more about the degrees on offer. A Higher Education information booklet is also available to all students to assist them in making course and university choices, e.g. visiting university open days, how to start their personal statements, useful web addresses etc. The 'Apply' booklet is a stepby- step guide on how to register and make their online application. In addition to this a weekly workshop is offered from September through to December should students require further support. Their Personal Tutor is able to track their UCAS online application progress and offer them advice and guidance with their Personal Statement.

The College also produces a termly newsletter called the H.E.N. to remind students of dates and events that are coming up. The UCAS website www.ucas.com has a wealth of information for parents to support their son/daughter with their choices and application. It is also very useful for them to sign up for the UCAS e-newsletters, which keeps them updated with the cycle of events.

All students, staff and visitors to the College are expected to observe our Code of Conduct. The Code applies to students on all College organised activities, including work experience placements and trips, and is designed to provide a productive, safe and pleasant working environment. Students should:

• Show respect and consideration to all students, staff, visitors and members of the community, their property and equipment
• Attend regularly and punctually all designated classes, tutorials and work experience, including exams
• Observe Eastleigh College Health & Safety and emergency procedures
• Switch off mobile phones whist in the Learning Centre and in lessons - under no circumstances should mobile phones to taken into exams (to do so will disqualify the student)
• Recognise Eastleigh College's no smoking policy - smoking is only permitted in the designated areas

By signing an enrolment form, students are agreeing to comply with Eastleigh College regulations which include the Code of Conduct; a full copy of this is available for download here.

• Students get support from their tutors and the learning mentoring team
• Engage Recruitment (Eastleigh Colleges own employment agency) will support students to try and help them get ready for employment and find them a job
• Most students complete a Workskills qualification which develops employability skills
• A dedicated Higher Education advisor will give advice and guidance to students and parents
• The Information, Advice and Guidance team can give individual support
• The Eastleigh College Training Agency (ECTA) can support students into apprenticeships

• The College values part time work undertaken by learners as this contributes to the development of employability skills
• Part-time work that is related to the students course is particularly encouraged as this can potentially provide opportunities for an Apprenticeship or full-time employment
• Students should be mindful however that excessive part time work can have a detrimental effect on College work. To get the most out of their studies students need to be rested and ready for work when they come to College

• The College works hard to provide challenge and encourage students to be aspirational. Students demonstrating a flair in their work or as potential leaders are given opportunities to develop further
• The extended project is available to all students and will be a real asset to students wanting to progress to university but also to impress  employers as completion of the project reflect an ability to work independently and use initiative
• A leadership day is held annually and is available to all students
• Participation in competitions is supported by staff in all areas of the College. Examples are competitions in catering and hospitality, hair and beauty, dance,  refrigeration, electrical, floristry, construction and the built environment and sport. Competitions are regional and national

• Work experience and employer engagement are considered to be an essential part of a student's programme at Eastleigh College. Experience of real working conditions and the opportunity to apply what has been learnt in College to industry helps to develop employability skills
• Work experience is carefully planned to ensure it is of maximum benefit to the student
• Employers who provide placements are rigorously risk assessed to ensure they provide a safe working environment and proactively promote equality and diversity
• College staff plan the placements to ensure that students are able to carry out specific job roles
• College staff visit students on placement and work with the employer to maximize the benefit of the placement
• The College has a dedicated work experience officer who works as part of the Engage Recruit team

Staff in the College will be very happy to meet with parents/carers to discuss progress or concerns. If you wish to come into the College please make an appointment first - staff may be occupied and unable to see you if they are not expecting you.

• In the first instance parents/carers should contact the students tutor - please email or telephone
• If the tutor is not appropriate or you are dissatisfied contact the Deputy Head of Faculty or the Head of Faculty. Reception staff will forward you call to the correct person
• For matters associated with learning support contact Andy Grant, Head of Student Support Services Tel: 023 8091 1228
• For matters associated with Student Finance contact Andy Grant, Head of Student Support Services Tel: 023 8091 1228
• For matters associated with Higher Education contact Beverley Koslowski Tel: 023 8091 1258
• If you wish to make a formal complaint please write to or email the Chief Executive. Click here to view the Customer Complaint/Feedback Procedure.