Info for Parents/Carers

Moving on to college is an important step for your son/daughter. At City College Plymouth we make every effort to ensure a smooth and successful progression from school to college and then on to university, further training or employment.

We provide a more adult environment than school so students get a greater sense of independence and responsibility. They also get to mix with more people who are studying a broader range of subjects than they may have experienced at school. However, they’re not left on their own! 

Why City College Plymouth?

• Friendly, safe, secure environment with exceptional support systems.
• Excellent, dedicated teaching and support staff.
• A vast range of sporting and leisure activities for students.
• The largest A level sixth form provision in the City.
• Excellent preparation for the world of work, entry to higher education or university.
• A wide choice of courses from the very first level right up to university degree level. 
• Opportunities to ‘earn while you learn’ with our Apprenticeship programmes.

In addition to offering a wide range of academic and vocational courses, we provide:

• a robust admissions system, in which we provide information and guidance to ensure students are on the right course, and help if they’re not sure which course to choose
• an induction in the first week to help them get to know the College and other students and make sure that they get all their questions answered. All students are given a handbook that includes lots of interesting information about all aspects of the College
• a range of support services to help them reach their potential including: guidance and counselling; learning support; learning resources; financial support (including assistance with childcare) and help with travel
• a personal tutor to give academic and personal support, who will help students plan their learning and review their progress on a regular basis
• help to enable students to get onto further courses, higher education, jobs or training when they have successfully completed their course.

Why not take a look at our guide for more information? Click on the cover to open the document, or you can download a copy here.

Course Information

Your son/daughter will be given plenty of opportunities to find out about the range of full-time courses the College offers. They should be encouraged to attend any career days arranged in school and chat to their school Careers South West Personal Advisor who will have details on our courses.

14 - 16 Programmes

 Our 14-16 programmes are designed to give young people:  

• a broader curriculum for their Year 10 and Year 11 than would normally be available at school
• a wider range of options at each stage of their career development
• a “stepping stone” to be able to move successfully from school into a training or employment environment
• an opportunity to enter a different environment where they are able to develop new skills and continue to improve on existing knowledge
• an understanding of taking responsibility for their own learning and future prospects
• a greater self-confidence and self-esteem.

Many young people find the College opportunity a very valuable experience in that they are able to study and work in a different environment where they may find a new confidence to be able to succeed.

We offer a friendly, safe and supportive environment for young people and give them all they help they require to ensure they can be successful and happy whilst at the College.

Functional Skills

All College courses and Apprenticeships include functional skills. Functional skills are have replaced Key Skills. The core elements are English (comprising of reading, writing, speaking and listening), mathematics, and information and communication technology (ICT). These elements provide the essential knowledge, skills and understanding needed to operate confidently, effectively and independently in life and at work.

College Open Days

We run a number of open days and information events throughout the year for potential students - and we welcome family and friends at these too.

Equality and Diversity

We are a College of respect where we welcome and value people from all backgrounds and cultures. We recognise and celebrate diversity and actively oppose all forms of inequality and unfairness. We encourage good relationships between different groups in the community. We treat each student as an individual with different needs. We work hard to support every student to succeed.

Our equality and diversity STAR

Supporting all students to succeed
Treating everyone with respect and dignity
Actively opposing unfair treatment
Recognising and celebrating divesity