Student support

Your support hub at Totton College

At Totton College, our students are our top priority. That’s why all our students have access to personalised, holistic support services.

We want to make sure you have everything you need to succeed during your time with us. Whether it’s progression coaching or counselling, careers guidance or learning support, help with a disability, dyslexia or anxiety, or financial advice – we’re here for you.

Student Charter

Being part of Nacro Education means you’re part of our learning community. We want you, and every other member of our community, to maximise the opportunities and learning experiences available, to help you broaden your skills – both personally and professionally.

We ask every person to adhere to our student charter, an agreement outlining what we’ll provide for you, and what you’ll bring to our community.

What we will do

• Make every lesson enjoyable and challenging
• Set work which reflects our high expectations
• Be prompt and well prepared
• Not cancel lessons without ensuring work is set
• Negotiate and monitor targets with you
• Give you regular, timely feedback so that you know how to improve
• Foster employability skills of reliability, tenacity, and teamwork
• Set work which helps prepare you for exams and assessments
• Treat you with respect and help to make the learning environment a safe and inclusive place for everyone
• Celebrate your achievements with you.

What you will do

• Take an active part in every lesson and demonstrate a positive attitude to learning
• Take responsibility for your own learning and stretch yourself to do more than you think you can
• Attend all lessons promptly and be well prepared
• Explain unavoidable absence and ensure missed work is covered
• Negotiate and monitor your own targets
• Act on feedback
• Practise employability skills
• Complete all work set on time
• Treat others with respect and help to make the learning environment a safe and inclusive place for everyone
• Take pride in your achievements.

Ask us anything – Information Centre

If you have a question or need some guidance, our Information Centre is your first point of contact. Our experienced, friendly team is always ready to help, or can connect you with the right person or service either at college or externally.

Need to talk? – Student Welfare

The welfare team is available to offer confidential help and advice to any students who need to talk about anything from relationship or health issues to finance or housing problems. Some students are referred by a teacher while others just drop in for a chat.

Help with money matters – Student Finance

Some students are eligible for financial assistance to support their learning. We can provide information about options for childcare, meals, travel costs, and essential course materials. More information about getting help with funding and financial support is available here.

Unlock your potential – Learning Support

Everyone’s journey is unique. If you need help with reading, writing or numeracy, have dyslexia or want to gain better research or exam skills, we’re here for you. Our friendly and approachable Learning Support Team will give you expert advice and tuition to help you maximise your potential at college.

Mapping your future – Careers Advice

Once you complete your course at Totton College, you will have access to a wealth of opportunities. During your time here, regular progression coaching sessions will allow you to talk about your goals and seek guidance on how you can achieve them. Whether it’s pursuing a foundation degree or Access course right here at Totton, moving on to university, exploring apprenticeships or traineeships, or diving into the workforce, we can help.

Students can also access our online system, iLearn, for information about careers, apprenticeships, voluntary work, university open days, work experience, and gap years. And our experienced careers advisers run regular events and provide tailored support.

Find out more about careers support and guidance here.

Stay healthy and thrive – Health and Fitness

We offer excellent health and fitness facilities with friendly, experienced staff providing help and guidance whatever your requirements. During term time, many students use the dedicated gym within the college’s Sports Hub.

Sports team trials are organised by both Totton College and Chelsea FC Foundation, which runs its academy hub for Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset at the college.

Join the Nacro Students’ Union

Be a part of something bigger! At Totton College, you can join the national Nacro Students’ Union, which offers support and advice to all our students. Each year, a team is elected by our student community to represent our students and organise all kinds of social, fundraising, and volunteering activities. 

Getting involved with Student Union activities is a great addition to your CV or UCAS application, and it’s also really rewarding. You get the chance to make new friends, gain skills and, because we’re affiliated with the National Union of Students, you gain fantastic discounts in a huge range of shops too. 

Speak up and be heard – Student Voice Council

Your voice matters! We’re always keen to understand what helps our students to learn more effectively, and continually strive to improve facilities and opportunities. We listen to the college Community Voice by carrying out short surveys on different aspects of college life, encourage ideas and debate in the classroom, and invite students to take part in the college’s Faculty Council and student workshops. 

Celebrate diversity– Chaplaincy  

Totton College is pleased to welcome students of all faiths as well as those without religious beliefs. We have a chaplain, the Reverend Sally Marchant, from St Anne’s Church, Calmore, who drops into college on a regular basis to talk to students and answer questions. Reverend Sally has links to a wide variety of faith groups and, alongside our student welfare officers, is always happy to put you in touch with local representatives from any religion. 

Our SEND provision & Skills for Life programme

At Totton College, we understand that every student is unique. Students with additional needs or disabilities are supported and encouraged here. Our “Skills for Life” team focuses on helping our students gain important skills for work and independent living so they are empowered to achieve their goals.  

Find out more about our SEND support here. 

Your journey at Totton College is just the beginning

With comprehensive support and a community that believes in every individual’s potential, we’re here to guide you towards a brighter, successful future. Join us at our next Open Event and take the first step towards unlocking your full potential. 

See you on campus! 

Explore life at Totton College

Join us at our Open Event

Join us at our next Open Event to explore our vibrant campus, meet our dedicated staff, and learn more about our courses. Take the first step to unlocking your future at Totton College.