I have applied to college, what happens next?
I’ve submitted an application but I have not heard anything?
What happens if I don’t get my original predicted grades?
Is there a Welcome Day or other Open Event planned?
Is there any work that I need to complete before I start my course in September?
How will I know when enrolment is?
I am not sure what subject I would like to study, where can I get help?
What if I or the college feel I am on the wrong course in September?
When will I be given my timetable?
Does the College provide additional support for students with learning difficulties/disabilities?
Is learning support, or study support, only for students with identified needs?
Is there a counselling service or any type of welfare support?
Can I receive financial help from Totton College for travel and course costs?
How are students graded or assessed?
Why does my son or daughter have to take maths and English?
Skills for Life learners
How can I help support my daughter/son/dependent with transitioning to Totton College?
What support will my son / daughter get at college if they have additional needs?
My child/dependent will require personal care when in college, do I need to inform anyone?
My son/daughter has medical needs that the college needs to be made aware of, who do I tell?
Is therapy provided at Totton College?
I think my child/dependent is entitled to transport through SEN, what should I do?
We know that many potential or current learners have questions about our procedures on applications, interviews, enrolments, class delivery, etc, during this unprecedented time. Here we set out to provide answers to many of your queries. If you feel this list does not answer your query, please contact Totton College on 02380 874874 or email info@totton.ac.uk.
Stay safe and we look forward to meeting you in September 2020!
Jade Roots, Head of Curriculum and Quality
How do I apply?
We are delighted you are considering becoming a student at Totton College and we are still taking applications for September 2020. You are on your way to becoming part of our vibrant community. To apply for a course at Totton College you will need to download an application form by clicking on the link here:
Alternatively, visit https://www.totton.ac.uk/how-to-apply/ and download our application form.
Remember to save it to your device or PC.
You can complete the application form electronically or you can print it and complete by hand. If you have completed it electronically, make sure you save it when it is completed!
Once complete, send the form back to us either by email or post:
By email:
By post:
Applications and Admissions
Totton College
Water Lane
Totton
Southampton
SO40 3ZX
I have applied to college, what happens next?
We will interview you by phone once you have submitted your application form. A teacher from the subject area that you are interested in will contact you to arrange a suitable time to talk. If you would prefer a video interview, then this can be arranged using Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Just let us know!
Due to current Coronavirus restrictions, you will not be able to have a face-to-face interview.
Your parents/carers are also able to join the interview if they wish.
Please note the telephone number will not display, instead it will appear as ‘no caller ID’.
For Apprenticeships, we are taking applications through the National Apprenticeship Service and we will use the email address Apprenticships@totton.ac.uk to communicate with you.
I’ve submitted an application but I have not heard anything?
Totton College aim to contact you within a few days of your application being submitted. However due to our current situation some things may be taking a little longer than usual. Therefore if you submitted your application more than two weeks ago, please contact us on 02380 874874 or via email info@totton.ac.uk to let us know your name and when you submitted your application.
What happens if I don’t get my original predicted grades?
Please don’t worry about this! Despite the current uncertainty, please be assured that your place at Totton College is secure. During our enrolment process (at the end of August/beginning of September), we will ensure that you receive the correct information and guidance to confirm your course for the upcoming academic year. No matter what grades you achieved at GCSE, there is a course for you at Totton College.
Is there a Welcome Day or other Open Event planned?
Due to Coronavirus measures, the college is currently closed for any of these types of events. However we do have an online open event planned, click here for more information:
In addition, Welcome Day on Wednesday 1 July was planned as a day to invite all applicants to the college that are due to start in September 2020. This will now continue as an online virtual event. All applicants for mainstream provision will be emailed an itinerary for the day approximately a week in advance. This will contain Zoom links for different sessions during the day. Check your email inbox and your junk mail box for this email.
What happens if lockdown measures are still in place when we enrol and are due to start in September?
We are following the Government advice regarding the Coronavirus such as lockdown measures, social distancing, etc. We would love to be able to meet you in person in August and for you to begin your learning at in person at College in September, however our main priority is your safety and therefore we will only be open if the Government advises us that it is safe to do so.
College may run or look different to how it normally would depending on Government advice. Currently we are considering one-way corridors, PPE and video conferencing lessons.
For Apprenticeships, learners will need to have an employer. As you will be starting after 23 March, you cannot be a furloughed member of staff as a school leaver. Therefore you will not be able to start an apprenticeship until your workplace is open or allows you to work from home.
I am due to start at Totton College in September but I am worried about attending due to coronavirus, what should I do?
This is an understandable concern, one that many learners are experiencing.
We are following the Government advice regarding the Coronavirus such lockdown measures, social distancing, etc. We would love to be able to meet you in person in August and for you to begin your learning in person at College in September, however our main priority is your safety and therefore we will only be open if the Government advises us that it is safe to do so.
We are following government guidance and advice as to how we proceed if learners feel that it is unsafe to attend college if we are open and will keep you informed of our procedures if they change. It is worth noting that College may run or look different to how it normally would depending on Government advice. Currently, we are considering one way corridors, PPE and video conferencing lessons.
For Apprenticeships, learners will need to have an employer. As you will be starting after 23 March you cannot be a furloughed member of staff as a school leaver. Therefore you will not be able to start an apprenticeship until your workplace is open or allows you to work from home.
Is there any work that I need to complete before I start my course in September?
If you have applied to Totton College and have had your liaison interview, you should now have been emailed some work to complete in preparation for your course. Most work has a September submission date, however a few courses have asked for the work to be submitted before then. This will be indicated on the work allocated to you.
How will I know when enrolment is?
Enrolment takes place after you have received your GCSE results (20 August 2020). Even though you have not taken your exams this year, your teachers have predicted your grades and this is the date that you will receive them.
Before 20 August, we will send you a letter/email that provides you with a date and time to come to the college with your exam results and other items (such as ID, etc). Currently we are unsure if the enrolment will happen in person or via a video/telephone call. We will provide more details of the enrolment procedure when we send your letter.
For Apprenticeships, enrolment can take place prior to the entry into the workplace however currently school leavers cannot enrol until the end of July (when you officially leave school). However, this may be subject to change under government advice on Coronavirus. We will keep you updated as this progresses.
I am not sure what subject I would like to study, where can I get help?
Totton College will be happy to help you decide on the best course to study for your chosen career path. To book an appointment with a subject specialist please call 02380 874874.
What if I or the college feel I am on the wrong course in September?
Don’t worry! We have a 6 week period from the start of your course in September that we can use to move learners to different subject areas and levels where appropriate and in agreement with staff. Your new Progress Coach and Teachers will assist you in catching up with the work on your new course.
When does my course start?
You will be notified of the course start date when you come to the College for your enrolment session. This is currently planned for Thursday 3 September 2020, but is subject to change.
When will I be given my timetable?
Your course timetable will be given to you on your first day of term (not at enrolment).
Does the College provide additional support for students with learning difficulties/disabilities?
Yes, please complete the relevant questions during the application process and this will be discussed with you during your liaison interview and/or your enrolment. You may be invited to attend an assessment to enable us to provide the help you need to be successful on your chosen course.
Is learning support, or study support, only for students with identified needs?
The Learning Support team will assess all students when they join us for any learning needs they may have and where appropriate they will provide in-class support and in some cases one-to-one support. The team offers a wide range of support including assignment writing, research skills, understanding assignment briefs, note-taking, revision tips and much more.
Will I have my own tutor?
As part of your time at Totton College, we want to ensure you are making the most of the opportunities we can offer you. All students are assigned a Progression Coach who will be able to support you with your work experience, employment or UCAS applications, plus any concerns you may have about your course.
In addition, all learners have access to one-to-one weekly progression coaching sessions, where you will discuss your future and the steps needed to achieve your goals.
Is there a counselling service or any type of welfare support?
We are renowned for our student support services and will be there every step of the way for you making sure that your learning experience is the best it can be. We have a fully trained counsellor available for learners, this can be accessed via your progress coach, welfare support or by making an appointment at reception.
Welfare support is provided and available throughout the day which can be sought from reception or the welfare office. Also, support comes in many forms, from progress coaching through to careers guidance and learning support. Our sessions cover a wide range of topics, including health and fitness, drug awareness and understanding healthy relationships. This is why we have been awarded the platinum Incyte award for safeguarding.
Can I receive financial help from Totton College for travel and course costs?
Our learner services team are always happy to answer any questions regarding financial assistance. Financial help may be available to travel to and from college on public transport, childcare, payment for books, uniform and equipment essential for the course, etc.
I’m already a learner at college, what do I have to do to qualify to return for a second year, after the summer?
To return to the second year a student must successfully complete their first year. If they have completed a course but wish to start another then they would need to have passed the course at the next lower level and any entry tests or other requirements for the next level to progress. We will contact parents of all students who are expressing concerns that they might not achieve the qualifications. If students fail then they will not be invited onto the next level of a programme and may not be re-enrolled by the College on the same qualification for the following year. We will also help in August and September with progression guidance for any student who has unfortunately not passed their previous qualification.
How are students graded or assessed?
This depends on the type of qualification they are taking. Academic programmes are generally a mix of marked coursework and examination whereas vocational subjects involve the assessment of work standards to meet nationally agreed competency levels. All students will be given grades for all their courses as they complete each assessment and these grades will be available to you at parents’ evenings. Student progress is reviewed in the last week of November and in the last week of March prior to the parents’ evenings. The dates of these evenings will be confirmed at the enrolment and you will be sent a reminder throughout the year. We feel the best way to approach these evenings is for the parent/s and the student to be present with the teacher.
Why does my son or daughter have to take maths and English?
It is now a government requirement that all 16-19 year olds study maths and English until they achieve at least a GCSE grade 4.
How can I get to College?
Public transport is available; using the Blue Star, Go South Coast and First Group bus services and there is a stop outside the College. Totton train station is approximately a 25 minute walk.
Is parking available?
Student parking is only available for students in the Water Lane car park behind the leisure centre. You will need to display a valid permit in your car (which can be collected from reception) and comply with all rules and regulations to be able to park.
Skills for Life Learners
How can I help support my daughter/son/dependent with transitioning to Totton College?
The Skills for Life Department have created two versions of a photo information book to help new students become familiar with new environments and new routines.
The team will also be planning some virtual transition activities and work for new students to get involved in. More details of these sessions will be sent out soon to students with a confirmed place.
What support will my son / daughter get at college if they have additional needs?
This information may already be in their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), so staff will be made aware of it. We will be asking you to also fill in an ‘All About Me’ book where you can state which support needs they prefer and need, e.g. symbols, Makaton. During your interview and also at enrolment this information can be shared and then passed onto the assigned personal tutor.
In the Skills for Life department students are supported by a large team of trained Teaching Assistants in the classroom and during unstructured times.
My child/dependent will require personal care when in college, do I need to inform anyone?
We are currently preparing for our students and groupings and will assign staff to groups where personal care is required. Please inform staff as part of your induction and transition programme over the next few weeks.
My child /dependent will need support throughout the college day e.g. In lessons, breaks, meal times. Do I need to let anyone know?
This information may already be in their EHCP, so staff will be made aware of it. We will have staff available throughout the college day to support with break and lunch, ordering food at the refectory, moving around the college etc. We will also allocate support staff in lessons. If you have anything specific that you feel we should know then please inform staff as part of your induction and transition programme or at enrolment.
My son/daughter has medical needs that the college needs to be made aware of, who do I tell?
This information may already be in their EHCP, so staff will be made aware of it. At enrolment in August/September you will be asked to fill out a medical form. This medical form will then be passed onto the college nurse, who will then be in touch if protocols need to be put in place.
Is therapy provided at Totton College?
Yes, therapy is provided at Totton College for students who require it and if it is stated on their EHCP due to funding. Currently, our speech and language and occupational therapy is provided through Speaking Space. Our physio therapy is provided through external providers.
We also have therapy assistants who work with students on the personalised programmes throughout the week.
If moving and handling is required then we would need to complete a moving and handling protocol before they can start college. We will do our best to get this done before, if not at the beginning, to ensure staff and students are safe and happy with procedures.
I think my child/dependent is entitled to transport through SEN, what should I do?
Please contact your Local Education Authority, this maybe Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council, Bournemouth, Wiltshire or East Sussex. You can telephone or visit the local authority website for latest updates.
Hampshire County Council
HCC recognises that families may need a transport service to ensure that 16+ special needs or disabled students can access a place that is suitable for their needs and so do offer, under discretionary powers, a transport service that requires an annual parental contribution.
Eligibility
Transport will normally only be offered if the student has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or if the student has a disability which means he/she requires transport arrangements to be provided.
There is no automatic eligibility for Hampshire County Council funded home to college transport after the age of 16.
Help with the college journey can only be offered if you meet the eligibility criteria for Hampshire County Council funded transport assistance.
If your request for assistance is approved, parents/carers may need to make a contribution towards transport costs. This is a fixed rate and cannot be offered pro-rata for individual timetables or circumstances. The parent/carer must pay for the first term of travel or send proof of exemption before transport will begin. The contribution may be waived if the family is in receipt of certain benefits. See below.
Criteria applied to determine eligibility to transport to a post-16 provider
Age: The student must be over 15 on 1 September 2019.
When the student’s parents are in receipt of
Income Support
income-based Jobseekers Allowance
income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Working Tax Credit
Annual gross income of no more than £16,190
Universal Credit
Families in receipt of free school meals (due to low income) are not required to pay the contribution.
How to apply for transport assistance for post-16 provision
Is a new form required every year?
Yes, a new request form will be required every year and your circumstances will be reassessed. Transport will not automatically continue for the next academic year.
The application round for Post-16 transport assistance September 2020 has not yet opened. We are unable to accept applications at this time, please check our website regularly for updates.
If you wish to apply for transport assistance for the current academic year, please email school.transport@hants.gov.uk to request a link to the 2019/20 application form.
To contact the Transport Team, email school.transport@hants.gov.uk or phone 01962 846924.
If you need to speak to the SEN Service about placements please visit their website for contact information.
Southampton City Council
The council will provide free college travel to students with special educational needs if they meet all of the following criteria:
- They had a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an EHCP maintained by the Local Authority until the completion of their secondary education
- They are under 25 years of age on 31 August prior to when they start their course
- The distance between their home and the college is more than three miles
Eligibility
Means-tested applications need to be made every college year. You will meet the college travel assistance criteria if you are in receipt of any of the following.
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Asylum support
- The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- annual income does not exceed £16,190
- Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
How to apply for transport assistance for post-16 provision
Application forms must be completed by all relevant parties and returned to Transport Coordination Unit, Southampton City Council, Civic Centre, Southampton, SO14 7LY, including copies of any required evidence.
If you require an application form, please email the Transport Coordination Unit at travel.coordination@southampton.gov.uk.
Who to contact
Home to School Transport Service from Southampton City Council provides support with travel for eligible children and young people to help them get to and from school/college.
Telephone: 023 8083 3463 or 023 8083 3467
E-mail: travel.coordination@southampton.gov.uk
Website: School Transport web pages
If you would like to discuss their eligibility to receive transport support further you should contact the SEN Team: Tel: 023 8083 4373, email: sen.team@southampton.gov.uk.
