Harrogate College launches support programme for students starting this academic year

Harrogate College has introduced a dedicated team of teachers to support students this academic year, with additional support for those starting college between now and October half term. 

The investment aims to give students additional support as they start the new academic year. This includes careers advice, help with getting back into a routine or catching up with lessons. 

Students will benefit from a bespoke timetable, additional one-to-one support and ongoing mentorship and guidance. 

The announcement follows Harrogate College’s £35k investment in a new active learning zone and an upgrade to current facilities, including new furniture and lighting that promotes collaborative working in flexible learning spaces. This addition is modelled on industry environments, particularly the creative fields.  

Danny Wild, Principal at Harrogate College, said: “The past few months have been a challenge for everyone, with young people among the hardest hit. Deciding on a course or apprenticeship is a difficult decision at the best of times, and the added stress of the pandemic has made that decision even tougher for some.

“With that in mind, we want to make sure that no student misses out on education and have extended our enrolment until October half term. We’re at a period where students are changing their minds or wanting to pursue a different route. This can be scary for some, who may think that they’ve fallen behind in lessons from the start of September. Our dedicated team aims to bridge that gap, providing an intensive programme of academic and pastoral support so that by the end of October half term, these students will be at the same level as their peers. 

“We’re proud to offer a curriculum designed around employer and industry needs, with consultations across the Harrogate district influencing our course material. We’re even making sure the learning environments we create are conducive to productivity and mirror current industries.”

In addition to the specialist support team, all full-time students will be completing an English and maths passport to recap the core literacy and numeracy skills that will allow them to progress successfully in college.