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Young Carers & Care Experienced Students

If you identify as being care experienced then we can provide you with extra support.

Are you care experienced?

We appreciate that starting College is a big step and can bring with it a number of different challenges. However, at NESCol we are proud Corporate Parents, and are dedicated to making your experience a positive, enjoyable and supportive one.

If you identify as being:

In “Foster Care or Supported Care”
A “Care Leaver” no longer in care
In “Residential Care”
In “Kinship Care” i.e. living with a relative that isn’t your mum or dad
“Looked After at Home” with the support of your Social Worker/Local Authority
A “Young Carer” whereby you look after a friend or family member who is ill or disabled, in an unpaid capacity

We can provide you with extra support.

Focus Groups

If you have told us that you are Care Experienced you will be contacted by the Student Advice and Support Team regularly to “check in” and see if you need any support. We will also be setting up a Focus Group where you will be invited to attend and feedback to us on your NESCol Experience so that we can support you and improve our future service.

Extra support available

Pre-entry advice

We can help you choose a course that sets you on the right path to reaching your career goals.

Guaranteed Interviews

We guarantee course interviews for our care experienced applicants.

Transition and Learning Support

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.

Priority Funding Processing

All care experienced applicants will have their funding application prioritised.

Enhanced Funding

All care experienced applicants will be considered for enhanced funding of up to £8,100, depending on personal circumstances and course level.

Need help with your funding application? Follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook for information about our upcoming funding workshops.

Academic Support

Students at NESCol will have a dedicated Academic Tutor who can support with pastoral or academic issues.

Peer Support

The Students’ Association can assist you with peer support and advice on clubs, societies and social experiences that could enhance your NESCol experience.

Employability

All our students can leave College with a CV, and advice on navigating volunteering and job markets.

Let us know

It is important that you make us aware of your caring responsibilities and/or Care Experienced background, as soon as possible.

Contact the team directly by calling 01224 612091, dropping into your local Student Advice Centre, or by emailing studentadvice@nescol.ac.uk.

For more information, download our Young Carers and Care Experienced Students leaflet.

Student Stories

Don’t take our word for it! Find out what our students think about studying at NESCol.

Louise Findlay

Computing

HND Digital Design & Development (Web Development)

“I enjoy Computing because it’s such a broad field. There’s a variety of skills to learn and you can easily develop a niche. No two projects will be the same and since it’s such a fast-paced field, there are always new developments to keep abreast of.

“The computing courses give you lots of practical skills and a strong foundation to expand upon.”

Edward Flinn

Social Sciences

HND Social Sciences

“NESCol really prepared me for the step up to university. I would definitely recommend college if you don’t feel ready to go straight to university when you leave school.”

Sara Laverton

Science

HND Applied Science

“I’m really glad I did the 2 + 2 Degree link with NESCol as I found myself well prepared with my lab techniques. Last year we had a practical research methods module and I found that a lot of the skills I learnt during my time at College were applicable and really helped me. I achieved an A grade for the unit and I attribute that to my time at NESCol. “

Julie Ingram

Hair, Beauty & Complementary Therapies

Body & Spa Therapies (VRQ Level 3 Diploma in Body & Spa Techniques)

“I think my story shows the diversity a career in Beauty Therapy can offer. Not only can it allow you to travel, work anywhere in the world, but also give you the choice to work in an established salon or set up your own business and become your own boss. The opportunities are endless. It’s such a fun, rewarding career and the job satisfaction from making your client feel better about themselves is priceless. “

Diane Shearer

Art, Design & Photography

HND Fashion & Textiles

“I was so nervous about starting College and felt uncertain about my abilities but NESCol completely changed that. I loved the course, learned so much from my lecturers and it gave me a new found confidence. It’s not easy at times being a busy Mum and juggling study but I have proven I can do it. When I started at NESCol I would never have believed I’d end up studying at a prestigious art school and firmly believe that my time at College has given me an advantage in coping with the demands of a degree. I’d say to any parents out there who feel they want a second chance at education to go for it and grab the opportunity with both hands, it really can change your life. “

Danielle Jam

Music, Sound Production & Drama

HND Acting and Performance

“If it wasn’t for College I wouldn’t have the confidence that I have now to market myself as an actor. I am the product so it’s a different kind of confidence that, I think, you need for yourself. College was definitely the first stepping stone for me – to take charge of my own career, to take the lead, make my own decisions with support and guidance from my tutors.”

Lee Goodwin

Sport, Fitness & Uniformed Services

Entry to Uniformed Services – Level 2 Diploma

“The air cadets boosted my passion for joining a service, and College gave me the confidence to grow as a person and develop my social skills in an environment where I felt I could thrive. It’s important to push yourself – you may surprise yourself by how much you can actually achieve.”

Andrew Emslie

Maritime

Merchant Navy Deck Officer Cadet programme

“The thought of a career where I can travel and see the world really appeals. After completing the programme I will be qualified as a Deck Officer and with sea time and further studying I can hopefully progress to Chief Officer and eventually Captain.”

Wayne Walker

Maritime

Merchant Navy Deck Officer Cadet programme

“Once I’m qualified my aim is to be a Captain of a construction vessel in the renewables sector, or Captain of a platform supply vessel. I suppose the dream is to just push myself to be the best I can be.”

James McLean

Supported Programmes

Qualification for Work: Hospitality

“It’s one of the best decisions I have ever made to continue at College. Lecturers and my classmates have helped me come out of my shell and the leadership skills that are taught on my course have helped me enormously – I feel better about myself.”