The Principal's Newsletter
Last updated September '24
Dear parents and carers,
Now that the new college year has properly begun, I would like to say hello and share some news and information with you.
I am very pleased to be introducing myself as the new College Principal– only the third in the college’s thirty seven year history. I have been a teacher here for most of that time, so, although I am new to this role, I certainly know the college well, and I’m committed to maintaining and building on its many strengths.
Last academic year was a very eventful one: we received an "Outstanding" OFSTED judgement in May, marked the departure of our much-loved former Principal in July, celebrated some of our best ever student exam results in August and, only this month, were pleased to announce the creation of the Sixth Form Colleges Trust
This year, we are sure, will be just as successful, though hopefully slightly less eventful. As always, there are new developments and opportunities for students on the way; for example, work on our improved facilities for student wellbeing in our relocated Wellbeing Hub; and also further developing our support for students pursuing the most demanding university places.
You should have already received some communication from college, depending on whether your son/daughter is starting their first or second year. Below is a little more information, specific to parents of either first or second year students, which I hope you will find useful.
I will contact you again from time to time with updates, but please also look on the website for any information you need, and don’t hesitate to get in touch, should you need to.
With best wishes,
Jo Cadman
Information Regarding First Year Students
I hope your son/daughter is settling into College well. If you have concerns, please do let us know. Personal Tutors have emailed parents to introduce themselves – and it’s worth noting that your son/daughter’s Personal Tutor will usually be your main point of contact with the College.
Shortly after enroling, your son/daughter should have brought home a pink sheet, designed to stick on your fridge or notice board. They will have filled in their timetable and their Personal Tutor’s contact details for you. You might want to remind them to give it to you if they haven’t already.
Although we expect our students to become more independent at College, it’s a process that is quicker for some than others, so we are keen to keep you informed. Our information platform, Cedar, allows you to check their timetable and attendance, and will give you access to their progress reports, when they are completed (in November). On this website you can find instructions for logging on to Cedar, and also to Wisepay, where you can pay enrolment fees and other costs, and load money onto student cards to spend in the refectories. All this information, together with details of our financial bursary, can be found here on the College website.
You will probably find that your son/daughter’s College workload will build steadily; unless they spend all their non-contact time working, they will definitely be bringing work home! Even if they don’t have an assignment to hand in, they should be reviewing notes and consolidating their learning each week.
They should also be trying to make the most of the incredible range of opportunities on offer at college, many of which are advertised to students in their daily bulletin. For example, on Friday lunchtime we held our annual “Knollfest”, with live music, fun activities and ice cream.
It might be a steep learning curve but also, I hope, an exciting time for them.
Information Regarding Second Year Students
The second year at College goes incredibly quickly! Your son/daughter will have found that there is no gentle introduction to the start of the year: they’ll have an assessment coming up in each of their subjects, and they should now be actively planning their next steps after college. Our Head of Progression and Careers has emailed some information to you about application processes, and you can find more information here on our website about the progression and careers guidance that’s available.
Although they will be busy with College work and applying for higher education or preparing for employment, we hope all our students will still take time to enjoy everything else College has to offer, such as social and cultural events, like Friday’s “Knollfest”, which included live music, activities and ice cream.
Please do remember that there is support available for them if they are feeling the pressure. And, although your son/daughter will probably be reaching their 18th birthday and legal adulthood soon, we understand, of course, that they still need your involvement or support. Last year we introduced parent access to “Cedar”, where you can check their timetable and attendance, and access progress reports. If you haven’t already signed up, there are instructions here on the College website