If you identify as an estranged student then we can provide you with extra support.
Estranged Students are students studying without the support of a family network, due to a breakdown in those relationships. Students in this position often have no contact at all with their family or sporadic and challenging contact. Causes of a breakdown of familial relationships could include (but are not limited to): emotional or physical abuse, mismatched expectations about family roles and relationships, or a clash of personality or values. Estranged students do not necessarily have experience of being in care.
If you identify as an Estranged Student then we can provide you with extra support.
NESCol has signed the Stand Alone Pledge. The pledge underlines our determination to ensure the specific challenges that estranged students face are acknowledged and acted upon through bespoke support.
We can help you choose a course that sets you on the right path to reaching your career goals.
Our Student Advice and Support Team can help and advise you in making your transition to College as smooth as possible. Once enrolled, we can continue to help you with Study Skills Support and Additional Learning & Assessment Support where required.
Students at NESCol will have a dedicated Academic Tutor who can support with pastoral or academic issues.
The Students’ Association can assist you with peer support and advice on clubs, societies and social experiences that could enhance your NESCol experience.
NESCol also supports the This Is Us student-led community. This Is Us is a dedicated and safe online space for estranged HE students (and recent graduates) in the UK to connect, share info, arrange meet-ups and more! It’s free, national, and open to all ages & years of study.
All our students can leave College with a CV, and advice on navigating volunteering and job markets.
If you identify as being an estranged student, then it is important that you let us know as soon as possible.
The easiest way to tell us is to do so when filling out an application or funding application for a full-time course or at the point of enrolment on your course. Alternatively, contact the team directly by dropping into your local Student Advice Centre, or by emailing studentsupport@nescol.ac.uk.
For Estranged students at Altens Campus, Fraserburgh Campus or the Scottish Maritime Academy your key contact is Aimee Ridgeway: A.Ridgeway@nescol.ac.uk.
For Estranged students students at City Campus your key contact is Lianne Marriott: l.marriott@nescol.ac.uk.
Don’t take our word for it! Find out what our students think about studying at NESCol.
“The College is immense for learning and my positive experience was thanks to the people. All the lecturers made it really easy, and it was a pleasure to come in and learn.”
“Since joining SMA, I haven’t looked back! I’ve never doubted my decision to become a seafarer, as the opportunity for career growth has kept me motivated.”
“Being able to learn the theory and then apply it in a practical setting is really beneficial. I developed many skills from studying the Foundation Apprenticeship, communication, teamwork, and collaborative working, to name just a few.”
“The knowledge and practical skills I learned at NESCol have come into play with this role. I meet so many people from all over the world and take great satisfaction in recommending restaurants, activities, and experiences that will make their visit to Scotland an unforgettable one. “
“I have enjoyed every aspect of it: the practical, learning new techniques and knowledge, gaining great relationships with the College staff and other students. I wish I made this change sooner!”
“The lecturers’ different seafaring backgrounds and teaching styles have helped me understand the subjects better.”
“Studying at NESCol played an important part in shaping my career path. The course gave me a solid understanding of key topics such as customer service, air travel tour operations and marketing principles.”
“I like the relaxed, friendly atmosphere and my parents and lecturers have all commented on how I’ve grown in confidence. I’ve made new friends and look forward to coming to College each day.“
“I’m a practical person and after doing the construction course while I was still at school, I knew I wanted to get started in the industry. I’m enjoying learning and the lecturers are great, they’re helpful, friendly, and really encourage me. “
“I’ve had such a positive experience with the College and can’t recommend the workplace learning route highly enough. I think it’s important to recognise that there are various routes to achieving qualifications and this was the right path for me.”