Your personal growth is just as important as your academic success. Alongside your main qualification, you’ll have access to a wide range of opportunities that help you build confidence, develop work-ready skills, and prepare for your next steps, whether that’s another course, an apprenticeship, university or employment.
During your time at college, you’ll take part in activities that strengthen your life and employability skills through our Thrive tutorial programme, as well as opportunities that support wellbeing and broaden your understanding of the world. You can also develop your skills further by engaging with employers, entering competitions like WorldSkills, joining clubs and societies, taking part in social events, and enjoying trips and visits, including international opportunities through Turing.
Pastoral Coaches: Here to Help You Thrive
Every student on a Study Programme is supported by a dedicated Pastoral Coach. Think of them as your mentor, guide and biggest supporter throughout your time at college.
Your Pastoral Coach will help you:
Set personal and academic goals
Build confidence, resilience and independence
Look after your wellbeing and mental health
Navigate challenges both inside and outside college
They’re here to support you with anything that may affect your studies, including:
Staying on track with coursework
Personal challenges or worries
Financial concerns or bursary advice
Childcare responsibilities
Accommodation issues
Family difficulties
Time management and organisation
Thrive Tutorial Programme
Our Thrive Tutorial Programme is designed to help you grow, develop and prepare for life beyond college. With the support of your Pastoral Coach, you’ll take part in tutorials and activities that explore:
Mental health and wellbeing
Building resilience and confidence
Using AI and digital tools safely
Budgeting and managing money
Volunteering and community engagement
Careers, next steps and planning your future
The programme is tailored to your level of study and includes regular 1-to-1 check-ins to review your progress and personal goals.
Drop-In Support
Need advice, encouragement or just someone to talk to? Pastoral Coaches run weekly drop-in sessions, so you’ll always have a safe space to ask questions or get support whenever you need it.
Hi, I’m Ailz. What I love most about education is the opportunity to make a genuine difference to people’s lives, help them recognise their own potential, and open doors to new careers and pathways. I began my career teaching English in Further Education, before becoming a mentor for trainee teachers through their placement years. I really enjoyed mentoring and coaching trainees, helping them develop their practice and discover their own strengths as teachers. This led me into teacher education, where I now work as a Programme Lead, supporting the next generation of teachers in the Further Education and Skills sector.
I care deeply about social mobility, the importance of positive relationships, and helping students feel confident and engaged in their learning. I’m a nurturing and approachable teacher educator, and I’m committed to ensuring that every trainee I work with feels encouraged, valued, and supported as they develop their practice.
I’m Sasha. What I enjoy most about working in education is helping people build confidence and realise their full potential. I spent 13 years working as a teaching assistant and Learning Support Assistant before moving into teaching Health and Social Care and Access courses with learners aged 16 and over. These experiences shaped my belief in the importance of positive relationships and adapting teaching to meet individual needs.
Mentoring trainee teachers and coaching colleagues sparked my interest in teacher education, which I moved into in 2024. I enjoy helping trainees connect theory with classroom practice, try out new approaches and find their own confidence as teachers. I aim to create a supportive space where they can ask questions, reflect honestly and feel comfortable seeking advice.
I have a degree in Psychology, a master’s in Mental Health, a PGCE, the National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development and a Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring in Education. These studies continue to inform my interests in inclusive teaching, wellbeing, and supporting others to develop their practice.
